Longford driver who made 'error in judgement' fined for having no insurance or licence

A young driver, who made an 'error in judgement' and was caught by gardaí behind the wheel with no insurance or driving licence, has been convicted and fined.

Paddy Murphy (19) of 93 Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to driving without insurance on December 19, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said Garda David Gerrity was on duty at Leader Park, Longford on  the day in question when he stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant.

There was no relevant insurance disc or documentation visible on the vehicle.

Garda Gerrity made a lawful demand to Mr Murphy to produce his insurance certificate and driving licence within 10-days, however, no documents were produced.

Mr Murphy had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, said his client was a young man who made a mistake.

"He is still on his provisional, I know he has a certain amount of lessons left before he takes his full test.

"This was obviously a mistake and I've spoken to his father, who is present in court with him, it's clearly an error in judgement on his behalf.

"He has since got insurance obviously and he has been driving legally with his licence so at least the lesson was learnt there, but in relation to this there is very little excuse that can be put forward only just an error was made."

Mr Quinn asked Judge Bernadette Owens to consider his young age along with his lack of previous convictions and he asked her to exercise her discretion and to give him an opportunity on this occasion.

Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and for the no insurance she imposed a fine of €350 with six months to pay and she handed down a €150 fine for driving without a licence with nine months to pay.

READ NEXT: Award winning make-up artist helps Longford students beat the January blues

READ NEXT: Work to begin on pedestrian crossing at a Longford school and community centre