Jail sentence for young Midlands motorist who ignored driving ban

A young Midlands motorist drove without insurance because he needed to get Calpol for his nine-month-old baby, Tullamore District Court was told.

Judge Andrew Cody heard that 20-year-old Jake Colleran, of The Green, Clara, had been in court on January 18 this year, committed a motoring offence eight days later for which he was disqualified, but was then driving again on August 25 despite the road ban.

Mr Colleran pleaded guilty last week to being the unlicensed and uninsured driver of a vehicle with a bald tyre at Ballycumber Road, Clara on January 26 last.

He also admitted driving without a licence and insurance at Clara Bridge, Clara on August 23.

Sergeant Justine Reilly said that prior to those offences he already had six convictions, including one for a speeding offence and another for driving unaccompanied as a learner.

He had received a suspended six-month sentence and a four-year driving ban.

Mr Colleran's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, said the young man had been working as a mechanic but the loss of his licence ended that career.

He had driven while disqualified because his child had a viral infection and blisters so he went to the chemist to get Calpol.

“It was of course a foolish thing to do,” said Mr Farrelly. He added that Mr Colleran had the prospect of a painting job in a week's time so he was hoping he would not be given a jail sentence.

The solicitor said his client's partner was working because the accused could not.

Judge Cody imposed a six-month suspended sentence for the January 26 offences, along with a 10-year ban from driving.

For the August 25 offence he imposed a three-month sentence and another 10-year disqualification.

“I'm not going to keep suspending,” said the judge, saying the man had been given that opportunity before. “It's not registering.”

He fixed recognisances for an appeal.