Longford man who was disqualified from driving turned away from Garda checkpoint
Gardaí said they were conducting a checkpoint on the Connaught Road when they spotted a driver turn away
A disqualified driver who turned away from a Garda checkpoint will be assessed to ascertain if he is a suitable candidate for community service.
Luis Bena (31) of 43 Cartrun Breac, Lisbrack Road, Longford pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at Market Square, Longford on November 2, 2024.
Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint at Connaught Rd, Longford when they observed the driver turn away.
“Subsequent checks on this vehicle revealed it had no valid insurance, NCT or tax and it was stopped a short distance away,” he added.
Sgt Daly said Mr Bena admitted driving the vehicle without insurance, an NCT or tax and further checks revealed the defendant was disqualified.
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Mr Bena, who had six previous convictions, was handed a four year driving ban in April 2022.
Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client is a married father of five with ‘strong values’ who works at C&D Foods in Edgeworthstown earning €12.70 per hour
Judge Bernadette Owens stated, if suitable, she would impose 140 hours in lieu of four months imprisonment.