Admitted driving without insurance in Portlaoise

A woman who was involved in a car accident in Portlaoise admitted driving without insurance. 

Rose Maughan (23) of Sir Ernst Chain Road, Castlebar, Mayo appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of having no insurance on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise on January 29, 2025. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty and she asked the court to consider not imposing a disqualification.

Garda Inspector Barry Houlihan said the woman had no previous convictions. He said there had been a car accident on the date in question. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said it was a lapse of insurance policy as the defendant had missed an instalment. “She effected a policy an hour later”, said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if the woman was working.  Ms Fitzpatrick said she was a full time parent. 

Judge Cody then fined the woman €750 and gave her six months to pay but didn’t impose a driving disqualification. He granted legal aid at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.