Longford District Court: Banned driver gets suspended sentence

A defendant who showed a “flagrant disregard for court orders” by getting behind the wheel of a car was handed down a suspended prison sentence at Longford District Court.

Judge Shalom Binchy said by driving while disqualified and uninsured Brian Joyce (31) of 30 The Cedars, Lakepoint, Mullingar, Westmeath showed a disrespect for a previous court penalty.

Mr Joyce was charged with three motoring offences. The defendant pleaded guilty to failing to produce insurance, and driving without a drivers licence or insurance on August 19, 2023 at Farnagh, Longford.

Outlining the details of the case Sergeant Enda Daly said at 8:40pm officers saw the defendant driving in the Farnagh area of Longford town. The officers were aware that Mr Joyce had been disqualified in Trim District Court for two years at the time. The officers spoke to the driver who admitted he had no drivers licence or documentation.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds explained that on the day her client's wife had been driving the car, but suffered a panic attack. Mr Joyce had taken over. Ms Reynolds said the defendant's wife was in “poor health” at the time. The solicitor said Mr Joyce believed he was “doing the right thing” when he took over, but accepted he was in the wrong.

A medical report submitted to the courts showed Mr Joyce's wife suffered an asthma attack two months after the incident. Judge Binchy said the report was “not really relevant”.

Ms Reynolds told the judge the defendant is in receipt of a disability payment as he has a hearing impediment. The father of three children has a total of 11 previous convictions, including public order, driving unaccompanied and burglary.

In concluding matters Judge Binchy said Mr Joyce showed a “flagrant disregard for court orders” by driving while uninsured and disqualified. The judge imposed a three months custodial sentence, but suspended it on the defendant's own bond for a period of three years for the no insurance charge.

A fine of €300 with six months was handed down for the failing to produce, while the no drivers licence offence attracted a fine of €100. Mr Joyce was also disqualified for five years.