Laois driver in court after insurance cancelled due to ‘black box’ strikes

A driver whose insurance provider cancelled his contract over black box data appeared in court for driving uninsured. 

Adrian Olowski (19) of 68 Cill Beg Manor, Stradbally, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at Park Upper, Laois on August 1, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was stopped driving a red Volkswagen Polo at 10.30pm on the date in question. He said the car was seized and the defendant had no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client works part time in a shop in Stradbally. He explained that an insurance policy on the car lapsed as there was “a black box placed in the car and I think there was a few strikes accumulated”. He said although a letter had been sent informing his client of the cancelled insurance, the man hadn’t seen it and was still driving around. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the man had insurance on the car again by August 6. He acknowledged that “clearly there had been issues with his driving” but he asked that his client would not lose his licence. 

Judge Susan Fay said the black boxes are designed to save lives. She didn’t impose a disqualification but fined the man €300 and gave him three months to pay.