Motorist caught without insurance for 11th time in Longford given 15-year road ban

An uninsured motorist, who had 10 previous convictions for driving without a policy, was detected driving without a policy once again by gardaí and received a five month suspended prison sentence and she was disqualified from driving for 15 years.

Lynette Delaney (46) of Riverside Apartments, Ballinamore, county Leitrim pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to multiple driving offences, including two counts of driving without a license, failure to produce a license when requested by a Garda, and two counts of no insurance.

At a previous hearing, the court heard Ms Delaney was charged by Garda Aidan Lenehan for driving without a license, failing to produce a license when asked, and no insurance, at Cloonrallagh, Longford, on May 30, 2025.

She was subsequently charged by Garda Peter Vesey for driving without a licence and without insurance at Ballyminion, Longford, on July 5 last.

She pleaded guilty to the offences on June 10, 2025.

Last Tuesday, Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, gave details on the July 5 offences at Ballyminion.

The prosecuting officer said gardaí were on mobile patrol when they carried out a number plate check on the vehicle and they established that the motorist was disqualified.

"Gardaí spoke to the driver Ms Delaney who admitted she was disqualified and she was fully cooperative," he added.

Sgt Mahon said the defendant had 10 previous convictions for driving without insurance.

The officer said when she was last sentenced by the courts on September 20, 2022 she was given a five month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18-months and banned from driving for 15 years.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said his client had a 'medical emergency' on the day.

"She should not have gone next, nigh or near a car that was available to her and she acknowledges that.
"It is egregious offending and she accepts that.

"No words that I can say in terms of promises are really appropriate because of the breach of promises and the breach of the courts orders.

Mr Gearty said Ms Delaney has cooperated fully with the probation services and she has engaged in a meaningful and real way.
"She has attended here with a member of her family and a supporter from the Ballinamore area where she is living."

He stated the mother of three has secured a full-time job in a local supermarket as part of her rehabilitation and they understood the 'grave seriousness of the matter'.

"I am pleading with you for a suspended sentence."

Judge Bernadette Owens decided to sentence the defendant for the May 30, 2025 offences and she imposed a five month jail term, which she suspended for 18 months.

She also handed down a15 year disqualification from driving. and €350 fine with nine months to pay.

Judge Owens directed a probation report be compiled on the defendant and she decided to put sentencing for the July 5, 2025 matters back for review and she adjourned the case until September 15, 2026.

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