Uninsured driver in Longford fined for turning back from Garda checkpoint
A defendant who turned back from a Garda checkpoint received a €400 fine for driving without documentation at Longford District Court.
Miroslav Hanuscin (52) of 6 Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown, Longford pleaded guilty to driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without insurance at Aughafin, Edgeworthstown.
Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court officers had established a checkpoint on February 28, 2022 in the Granard area.
The Gardaí observed a vehicle approaching the checkpoint stop and then turn back. The officers followed the car and indicated for it to stop.
When the car pulled in, the Gardaí asked the driver, Mr Hanuscin, for his certificate of insurance. The driver said he did not have one.
Sgt Mahon told the court the defendant had a previous conviction from '21 for no tax and another from 2009 for drink driving.
The defendant's solicitor said her client had recently purchased the car, and up to that point always had insurance. She explained that Mr Hanuscin made arrangements with a colleague to pick his daughter up from school. When the driver could not make the school run the defendant took a chance, but encountered the checkpoint and panicked.
The defendant apologised to the court. The solicitor said her client works as a cleaner and is the sole provider for his family.
Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €400 with four months to pay.