Longford District Court: Drug driver had fake licence

A man prosecuted for drug driving, having a fake drivers licence and driving without insurance will serve a four year ban following his conviction at Longford District Court.

Mirandas Marcinkevicius (21) of Apartment 2, Zola Building, Richmond Street, Longford was before the court in regard to four motoring offences committed on December 22 2022.

Mr Marcinkevicius pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance, driving without a drivers licence, being in possession of a false instrument (a fake drivers licence), and driving with excess cannabis in his system.

Sergeant Enda Daly told the court officers on patrol in Longford town stopped a BMW at Richmond Street. The Gardaí spoke to the driver, Mr Marcinkevicius, and asked to see his documentation. The driver presented a full Lithuanian drivers licence, however on inspection it was noticed there were a number of security features missing.

Mr Marcinkevicius admitted to the officers he did not have insurance. A roadside oral fluid test provides a positive reading for cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant was brought to Longford Garda station where a blood sample was taken. When this sample was analysed it indicated that Mr Marcinkevicius was over the legal cannabis limit for driving. The officers also confirmed the Lithuanian licence was not genuine.

Judge Bernadette Owens was informed the defendant had two previous convictions; one for driving without insurance and one for driving without a licence.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh stated her client has lived in Ireland for the last three years, having moved from Lithuanian. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant was working as a roofer, however he was in a serious road traffic accident. This accident resulted in the death of a friend and Mr Marcinkevicius sustained significant injuries. The defendant lost his spleen and has undergone several surgeries.

Ms Mimnagh said her client has been out of work as a result of the accident, but recently returned back to work for his employer. The solicitor said Mr Marcinkevicius is only able to undertake light duties as a result of his injuries.

The legal representative told the judge her client is the only driver in his family and his loss of licence will have wider implications.

Ms Mimnagh said Mr Marcinkevicius unwisely resorted to using cannabis to ease the psychological and physical pain of the accident.

The court was told the defendant had purchased the fake driver licence on the internet.

Ms Mimnagh said her client is studying for his driver's theory test and when his disqualification ends with apply for his test.

Sgt Daly agreed that the accused man had fully cooperated with the Gardai.

Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Owens registered a conviction for the drug driving offence, imposing a fine of €300 and a one year disqualification, while the no insurance conviction attracted a further €300 fine and a four year driving disqualification.

All other matters were taken into consideration.