Judge makes decision on Longford-based motorist caught without insurance for a third time

A motorist, who was caught driving by gardaí without a driving licence and insurance for a third time, has been directed to do 240 hours of community service and given a lengthy driving ban.

Oleksii Honcharov of 87 Ardnacassa Avenue, Ballinalee Road, Longford pleaded guilty in the local district court to driving without insurance and a driving licence on August 22, 2025.

The defendant was stopped by gardaí on the Athlone Road, Longford and a lawful demand was made for his driving licence, however, he did not have it with him.

READ NEXT: Longford meeting hears calls for emergency payment to be made to people with disabilities

Gardaí then made a demand for the production of his certificate of insurance and driving licence within 10 days at a garda station of his choice, however, he failed to present the documents.

At a previous hearing, Judge Bernadette Owens had directed the defendant to do the Pro Social driver awareness course.

Solicitor Tony McDonnell, defending, said last Tuesday his client had engaged well and he had completed the programme.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said the defendant had two previous convictions for no insurance and this latest offence had 'triggered' a previous sentence imposed at Middleton District Court in October 2024.

READ NEXT: 'New partnership': IFA to sponsor 40th anniversary Longford novice ploughing workshop

Judge Owens noted that Mr Honcharov had engaged positively and she imposed the community service in lieu of a term of four months imprisonment and a six year driving ban.

READ NEX