Teen stopped in Laois had no insurance

A teen who wrongly believed he was insured to drive his friend’s car appeared before Portlaoise District Court. 

Douglas Bassett (19) of Ballyspillane, Johnstown, Kilkenny admitted not having insurance on the M7 at Great Heath, Portlaoise on August 29, 2024. 

Garda Stephen O’Hanlon said the defendant was stopped driving an 05D registered red Honda Civic at Great Heath, Portlaoise at 8.16pm on the date in question.  He said he had made a lawful demand for insurance but it was never produced. The defendant has no previous convictions, he said. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was a single man who was just about to start an electrical apprenticeship. He said the car he was driving was going to be given to a friend. 

Mr Meagher said his client had insurance on another vehicle at the time. He mistakenly believed his insurance would cover him to drive the car, he explained. He said he was very apologetic for what had happened. 

Judge John Brennan told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that it was a “very serious matter particularly with the premiums young people have to pay.” 

However,  he noted there were “exceptional circumstances” in the case and said the defendant should be given one chance. 

He convicted the defendant and fined him €400 but didn’t disqualify him from driving for the offence.