Man claims he had no car when motoring conviction recorded in Laois

“Complete shock” was how a solicitor claimed his client reacted to gardaí stating that he had two previous convictions for no insurance. 

Joseph Conroy (43) of 5 Roundwood, Mountrath appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of not having a licence or insurance at Gratton Street, Portlaoise on May 7, 2024. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client acknowledged a previous conviction for no insurance in 2018 but was in  “complete shock” when gardai said he had another conviction from 2021 and was “absolutely adamant” that no such conviction existed. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said his records indicate the man was convicted for not having insurance in 2018 and disqualified for two years. He said a further conviction for not having insurance was recorded in 2021 and the man was banned from driving for four years. 

Mr Meagher explained that his client “says he wasn’t working and didn’t have a car” at the time he was supposed to have been driving. 

Judge Cody ordered that a copy of the previous summons be given to the defendant and he adjourned the matter until July 11 in order for the information to be checked. 

“If he is wasting my time he will be doing a lot more than four years,” Judge Cody warned Mr Meagher.