Judge hits man with two-year driving ban

A Slovakian man who was caught behind the wheel of a car in Longford last year while having no insurance in place, has been put off the road for two years.

Judge Seamus Hughes handed down the penalty to Igor Hlavac, of 9 Ardagh Lodge, Prospect Woods, Longford at a recent sitting of Longford District Court.

Mr Hlavac, who was speaking through a friend sitting beside him in the public gallery, said he had been en route to hospital with his brother at the time of the incident.

“That still doesn't give you permission to drive without insurance,” replied an indignant Judge Hughes.

Mr Hlavac's friend added the accused did not have a driving licence either. Judge Hughes, as a result, banned Mr Hlavac from driving for two years and fined him €250.

Though initally giving him three months to pay, Judge Hughes said the option of paying over 12 months in instalments was open to Mr Hlavac.