Longford woman banned from driving for eight years

A woman caught driving while disqualified on two consecutive days was told if she is caught driving again she will go to jail. Sandra Krupa (24) of Aughantaragh, Killashee was before Longford District court charged with four motoring offences.

The defendant pleaded guilty to driving without licence or insurance on January 24, 2023 at Knockahave, Dublin Road, Longford and the same offences on January25, 2023 at Lisnamuck, Longford.

Inspector Paddy McGirl outlined how the defendant first came to Garda attention when officers stopped a car driven by Ms Krupa at 11:15pm. The driver said she had insurance and would present documents to Longford Garda station. When the Garda later checked the system it transpired the defendant was disqualified from driving for a no insurance offence.

The following day while on patrol at 11:25pm the officer saw the same motor vehicle on the Sligo Road. The vehicle was stopped and Ms Krupa was arrested and charged. Inspector McGirl said the defendant has three previous convictions, and was serving a disqualification at the time of the offence.
Solicitor Frank Gearty explained that his client's partner was banned from driving and Ms Krupa had taken it upon herself to drive him to work despite being banned herself. Mr Gearty said Ms Krupa was “appalled and embarrassed” by her actions.

“This won't happen again,” Mr Gearty reassured the judge. He explained that Ms Krupa was in a “serious financial situation” and was “going to be homeless”. The legal representative asked the judge not to send her to prison. Judge Owens said the defendant gets credit for an early plea, but noted the “significant previous convictions”.

The judge registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €250 with eight months to pay and a four year qualification for the offence on January 24, while the offence of January 25 attracted a four months custodial sentence which was suspended for two years.

The second offence attracted an eight year disqualification. Judge Owens concluded by saying: “If you are caught behind the wheel of a car in the next two years you are going into custody.”