'Appalling record' -Uninsured Longford driver caught for eighth time

A judge has directed that a probation report be compiled on a mother of three who was caught driving without insurance for an eighth time.

Lynette Delaney of 14 Riverside Apartments, Ballinamore, county Leitrim pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance on May 30, 2025.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, prosecuting, said Garda Aidan Lenehan was conducting a speed check at Cloonrallagh, Longford on May 30, 2025 when the defendant was detected speeding in an Opel Astra.

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A fixed charge penalty notice fine was issued in relation to the speeding offence and the officer asked Ms Delaney for her name and he subsequently learnt that she was disqualified from driving.

Sgt Mahon said a demand was made to the defendant to produce her insurance policy within 10 days at a garda station, but she failed to do so.

Ms Delaney had 24 previous convictions with seven previous convictions for driving without insurance.

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The court heard she received a driving ban most recently in Longford in April 2022 when she was disqualified for 15 years and handed a five month suspended prison sentence.

The court heard Ms Delaney also appeared in court in September 2021 for driving without insurance when she received a suspended prison sentence and in May 2021 she was disqualified for four years.

Sgt Mahon said the defendant appeared in court for driving without insurance in August 2019, February and June 2018, March and August 2017 and November 2013.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, accepted his client had previously benefited from two suspended prison sentences and it was a 'very serious' situation.

"Her record is appalling, it's as bad as it gets.

"Her son had reached the age of driving and very regretfully she purchased a car for him.

"It was in Longford for the NCT and she took the train to Longford from Ballinamore where she is now living and working."
Mr Gearty said the car was parked outside the house and Ms Delaney had driven it.

The legal representative stated his client is now 'thriving' in a medicl factory and her father was in court supporting her.

Mr Gearty spoke about several mitigating factors and he felt the probation services could be of benefit.

Judge Bernadette Owens directed a probation report and adjourned the case until November 4 next.

She remanded the defendant on bail subject to a number of conditions including that she does not drive any motorised vehicle.