Disqualified motorist caught by Longford gardaí warned by judge over his likely sentence

A judge has warned an uninsured and disqualified motorist who was detected driving he may face up to 200 hours of community service.

Shaun Heffernan (37) of Gallen View, Ferbane, county Offaly pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance, without a driving licence and while being disqualified at Catronageeragh, Longford on July 12 last.

Sergeant Enda Daly, said Gardaí carried out a mobility device check on the defendant’s vehicle and it indicated there was no policy in place.

“The car was stopped by Garda Doherty who spoke to the driver who admitted he was disqualified from driving for four years.”
Sgt McNulty said Mr Heffernan was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station.

The court heard the defendant was handed a three-month prison sentence on January 24, 2024, which was suspended for three years and he received a four-year ban.

The defendant had seven previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said his client is a hands-on father of three children ranging from 13 to seven years of age.

“He plays an active part in their lives but he very regretfully he was going from the mother’s house to the shops to get them a treat and he should not have done that.”

Mr Heffernan is currently unemployed and Mr Gearty said the situation ‘carried every kind of complication’.

“I will point out the previous convictions, albeit there is one that leads to the suspended sentence, there has been a modest but reasonable gap in his offending judge, and he felt he had turned a corner.

“He was dropping maintenance to the former partner and regretfully this error of judgement happened.

“He is humbly and anxiously putting his cards on the table and pleading guilty.”

Judge Bernadette Owens directed that a probation report be compiled on the defendant and she indicated if he is deemed suitable she is likely to impose 200 hours of community service in lieu of five months imprisonment.

She subsequently adjourned the case until March 24, 2026 for finalisation.

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