Banned Laois driver claimed someone else was driving car

A Laois resident who pleaded guilty to driving without insurance because he was disqualifed told his solicitor that another man had been driving the car, Kilkenny District Court has heard.

In court, Roman Lavu, 47 Sean Doire, Durrow, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a driving licence.

Sergeant Morgan O’Connor told the court that Mr Lavu was stopped by a garda on November 28 last, at Bonnetsrath on the N77.

Originally Mr Lavu had given a false name and date of birth, but when he was told he was being brought to the garda station to verify this he gave the garda his correct details. It was then the garda discovered Mr Lavu was disqualified from driving.

He did not produce a licence or insurance within 10 days.

The court heard Mr Lavu had five previous convictions, including a two-year driving disqualification on a conviction for driving without insurance, handed down at Portlaoise District Court in July 2023.

Solicitor Ed Hughes told Judge Geraldine Carthy that his client had told him another person had been driving the car and asked Mr Lavu to get into the driving seat when they were stopped by gardaí.

Mr Lavu’s mother said it is something he would do

Judge Carthy convicted Mr Lavu of driving without insurance and imposed a fine of €500. He was also disqualified from driving for four years. For not having a driving licence he was fined an additional €400.