'Total disregard for the law' - Longford doctor told to do community service

A judge has directed a medical doctor, who showed 'total disregard' for the law' and drove while he was disqualified and had no insurance to complete 150 hours of community service, but he has avoided a driving ban.

Erdrin Iskander (45) of The Meadows, Pettiswood Manor, Mullingar, county Westmeath pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the aforementioned offences and driving without tax.

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At a previous hearing in February, Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí were on patrol at Lisnagrish, Edgeworthstown on January 28 last when they stopped the defendant driving his car at approximately 5.30pm.

The court heard officers were alerted that there was no tax or insurance on the vehicle from a Garda active mobility device and the defendant admitted that he was aware he was disqualified at the time, and he was arrested.

The court heard Iskander was disqualified on January 14 last when he accumulated 12 penalty points for multiple offences, and he received a six month driving ban.

The defendant had three previous convictions including two for careless driving.

Last Tuesday, Judge Bernadette Owens finalised her sentencing and stated she considered the position with regard to a possible disqualification, but she decided to give him a chance.

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"The defendant engaged with the Probation Services, he completed the Pro Social driving course and given his work I think in all the circumstances a disqualification would be disproportionate and I am not going to disqualify,” she added.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was 'eternally grateful' to Judge Owens.

The legal representative thanked her for not imposing that a driving ban and for giving Mr Iskander an opportunity.