Pakistani man used false Romanian licence in Laois
The man appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A Pakistani man appeared in court for using a false Romanian driving licence in Laois.
Muhammad Shahid (65) of Veera, Main Street, Portlaoise, appeared before Portlaoise District Court for using a false instrument on the N80 at Maryborough, Portlaoise on October 29, 2025.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused produced the licence when he stopped a Honda car for having flat tyres on the date in question. He said the driver produced a Romanian licence which turned out to be false. He said the man had no previous convictions.
Solicitor Victoria Kingston said her client extends his apologies for the offence. She said the man was originally from Pakistan and was supported in court by his son who he lives with.
She said the man has been in Ireland since 2013.
Judge Catherine Ryan asked if the man had been driving around since he arrived.
Ms Kingston explained that he had a Pakistani licence which he exchanged for an Irish licence but it only lasted one year. She said he hadn’t driven since the date of the offence.
Noting the early guilty plea and the fact that the man was no longer driving, Judge Ryan said she would strike the matter out if the man paid €150 to the court poor box. He made the payment and the matter was struck out but Judge Ryan warned him that he had to apply for an Irish driving licence if he wanted to drive again.
Ms Kingston said her client was in receipt of disability allowance and Judge Ryan granted legal aid in the case.