Suspended sentence for uninsured driving in Laois

A woman who appeared in court for driving while disqualified had previously been caught driving from court immediately after receiving a driving ban. 

Andreia Dos Santos Araujo, 41, of 38 Slieve Bloom Heights, Rathdowney appeared before Portlaoise District Court for having no insurance or licence at Mary Street in Durrow on July 14 last. 

Gardai Shine responded to a report of a minor road traffic collision at the location on the date in question. 

“One vehicle clipped the wing mirror of another  vehicle,” he explained. The defendant was driving a white 191 registered Renault. She was asked to produce her licence and insurance at Abbeyleix Garda Station but failed to do so.  The court heard the woman had been disqualified from driving at the time. 

Solicitor Jospephine Fitzpatrick said her client had been disqualified from driving in her absence at Thurles District Court but had been unaware of the ban. 

She  said her client had since sold the vehicle. She said she worked three days a week as a beautician and intended to move to Kilkenny. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if it was the same woman who had been disqualified at Portlaoise District Court earlier this year and arrested for driving from the courthouse afterwards. 

“Gardai met her driving the car and she knew she was disqualified,” he said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said that matter was currently under appeal. 

Judge Cody said it was clear the defendant was “not getting the picture” as he sentenced her to six months suspended for three years. He assured her she would be jailed if she drives again. 

When Ms Fitzpatrick sought legal aid and provided a statement of means. 

“She was driving a car that is worth €20,000,” said Judge Cody. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the car was sold and finance had been owed. She said the woman earns €300 a week. 

On inspecting her statement of means, Judge Cody asked how a woman earning €1,200 a month could afford rent of €1,000. The court heard the €1,000 was paid by three tenants.

Judge Cody granted legal aid but said the woman needed to be more careful filling out forms. 

“If that happens again I will refer it to the DPP,” he warned.