Jail for disqualified driver found behind the wheel in Portlaoise

A disqualified driver caught behind the wheel in Portlaoise has been jailed and hit with a huge driving ban. 

Jiri Cervenak, 31, of 397 Market Mews, Maryborough, Portlaoise admitted driving while disqualified at Market Mews, Maryborough Village, Portlaoise on October 16, 2023. 

Garda Stephen O’Hanlon said he observed the defendant driving a blue saloon car on the date in question.

“I knew Mr Cervenak to be a disqualified driver,” he explained. 

He said the man had 63 previous convictions including 14 for no insurance. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher acknowledged his client’s “appalling record” and described his driving on that day as “utterly stupid”. 

“The vehicle belonged to his dad and they had carried out some work to it,” he said. 

He explained that he had bene driving the car to test it out after the work. 

Mr Meagher said the defendant, who would ordinarily work as a labourer, was out on disability. He said the man was apologetic and he asked for one final chance for the man. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the defendant “is not getting the picture” in relation to his offending. 

“A man with 14 disqualifications wants one final chance?” he asked. 

He said the only mitigating factor in the case was the defendant’s guilty plea. 

Judge Cody sentenced the man to six months in prison and disqualified him from driving for 20 years. He granted legal aid to the defendant at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.