Five-year driving ban imposed on man from Kilcock, County Kildare, for driving while disqualified

A Kilcock resident who appeared at Naas District Court on Thursday, February 1 was disqualified from driving for five years due to a road traffic offence.

Presiding Judge Fiona Brennan made the decision in the case of Gary O'Connor, with an address listed as 10 Rochford Park, Bakers Walk in Kilcock.

The judge was told by gardaí that on April 29, 2021, the 48-year-old was caught driving with no insurance and without a driver's licence.

It was heard that he was disqualified from driving at the time of the offence, and garnered this disqualification in 2020 for a previous driving with no insurance offence.

Gardaí also said that Mr O'Connor has 16 previous convictions.

Defending barrister Aisling Murphy said that her client has been driving his daughter's car, but the car insurance didn't cover him.

Referring to his previous convictions, Ms Murphy said that Mr O'Connor had previously experienced 'a chaotic period of his life' but added that he was now 'drug-free.'

She also said that he now drives with his licence and insurance, and added: "He has been doing his utmost to stay out of trouble, and apologises to the court for the offence."

Judge Brennan noted that the fact that Mr O'Connor committed the offence while disqualified from driving was an aggravating feature in the case.

After consideration, the judge imposed a fine of €350 on Mr O'Connor, to be paid within six months, and also imposed a five-year driving disqualification.