Pensioner with 80 previous convictions 'led everyone on a merry dance'

A PENSIONER with 80 previous convictions “led everyone on a merry dance”, said Judge Patricia Harney in Kilmallock Court.

Paddy McCarthy, aged 74, of Mohera Bridge, Annacarty, Co Tipperary pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

Inspector Fergal Hanrahan, prosecuting, said Mr McCarthy was stopped by gardai while driving a vehicle on Main Street, Doon on April 8, 2017. Proof of insurance was never produced, the court heard.

Insp Hanrahan said Mr McCarthy has a total of 80 previous convictions including for intoxication, threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour, six drink driving, seven no driving licence, seven no insurance, theft, non appearance at court, three criminal damage, four unauthorised taking of a vehicle, unauthorised carriage, three no NCT, 10 larceny, eight burglaries, giving false information to gardai, resisting a garda and four burglaries.

Joseph McMahon, barrister for Mr McCarthy, said some of the previous convictions are “long spent”.

“He is 74-years-old. He is a father of six children and has five grandchildren. He accepts he shouldn’t have been driving. He apologises.

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“He has complex health complaints. This afternoon at 2.30pm he has an appointment with a heart and lung specialist in UHL. He has worked all his life,” said Mr McMahon.

Judge Harney said Mr McCarthy has “led everyone a merry dance” due to the number of bench warrants he has taken.

Mr McMahon spoke of the value of his client’s plea of guilty as the investigating garda, John Ryan, has retired and a hearing may have caused the State some difficulty.

Judge Harney disqualified Mr McCarthy from driving for four years and fined him €500 for no insurance.