Judge imposes lengthy ban on uninsured South Longford driver caught for fourth time
The defendant of Derrygowna, Lanesboro pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance and while being disqualified.
A South Longford driver who was caught behind the wheel for a fourth time with no insurance has been convicted and disqualified for two years.
Gerard Melia of Derrygowna, Lanesboro pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance and while being disqualified.
Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon said gardaí were on patrol at Richmond Street, Longford town at 12.50pm on July 18, last when
Garda Flanagan observed the defendant when 'he ran through a red light and he turned on to Richmond Street'.
Sgt Mahon said the officer stopped the vehicle and he spoke to the driver and a demand was made for him to produce his driving licence and his insurance but he failed to produce valid documents.
Sgt Mahon said Gardai made enquiries and established that Melia was a disqualified driver at the time of the incident.
The prosecuting sergeant stated a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice (FCPN) fine was issued in relation to another offence and that was paid.
The defendant had 18 previous convictions, including three for driving without insurance.
Solicitor Michelle Reynolds, defending, said on this occasion her client had not been aware that the most recent offence last July had led to him exceeding 12 penalty points.
"He never received the notification from the RSA to inform him that he was disqualified and as a result of that the disqualification caused his insurance to be null [and void] on the day that gardaí stopped him."
Ms Reynolds said her client is in receipt of a disability allowance and he works three days a week with his father as a panel beater.
Judge Bernadette Owens, who queried how he could not be aware of his points tally, decided to impose a €450 fine and a two year ban with six months to pay.