'My livelihood is gone' Man caught driving in Longford without insurance for 5th time is jailed
A motorist who was caught driving for a fifth time without insurance has been sentenced to two months in prison and disqualified from driving for six years.
Martin O'Donovan of Happy Days House, Oranmore, Galway pleaded guilty at Longford District Court last week to driving without insurance, driving without a licence while disqualified, giving a false name to Gardaí and driving without an NCT or NCT cert.
At a previous hearing, details were heard about how the defendant, who worked in the motor trade sector, was stopped and detected by officers at Tinnynaire, Edgeworthstown on March 25, 2023.
Sgt Mark Mahon, prosecuting, said the defendant initially failed to disclose his real name when he was asked and instead he gave a false name of Martin O'Donoghue.
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Judge Brendan O'Reilly said last Tuesday he had reviewed the case and he had noted the defendant's admission and the guilty plea, however, he stated he had to also take his previous record into account.
Judge O'Reilly said in relation to the charges two of them in particular namely driving without insurance and driving without a licence while disqualified, required an appropriate sanction.
"He fails to understand the seriousness of driving without insurance and he has had the benefit of suspended sentences."
Mr O'Donovan asked to address Judge O'Reilly and he said he deeply regretted his actions.
"I am awful sorry and I apologise deeply, I have not driven in the past year and I am just trying to get my licence back and provide for my family."
Judge O'Reilly said he understood that but he asked how long Mr O'Donovan had been involved and working in the motor trade.
"The road traffic requirement to be insured is there since 1961," he added.
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The defendant, who stated he had subsequently 'lost his job' , said he has worked in the motor sector for 30 years said he was in difficult circumstances.
"My livelihood is gone and I am suffering the consequences now and I am deeply sorry for my actions," he said. "I have not driven in over a year and my wife here drives me around."
Solicitor Tony McDonnell, defending, said Mr O'Donovan's wife has a good public sector job and she is looking after her husband all of the time.
"All these offences occurred at a time when he was homeless.
"He is on the straight and narrow since then as far as his driving is concerned."
"He ensures me he will never drive again and he is just looking for a chance."
However, Judge O'Reilly, who addressed the defendant, insisted he was suffering through his own actions as well.
"The court has given you chances before and I have no doubt you told other colleagues of mine that too."
Judge O'Reilly noted Mr O'Donovan had four previous convictions for driving without insurance.
Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon, prosecuting, informed Judge O'Reilly the defendant had received a three month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years on January 18, 2023 and that had now been triggered.
The court heard the defendant, who had been in Garda custody for two weeks, was due to appear at Galway District Court on Wednesday, October 1 in connection with that matter.
Sgt Mahon said Mr O'Donovan also received a four month prison sentence on April 8 last for driving without insurance.
Judge O'Reilly decided to impose a two month prison sentence, a six year driving ban and a €400 fine with 12-months to pay for the no insurance and driving without a licence offences with the remaining offences taken into consideration.
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