Unisured driver stopped by Longford Gardaí hit with €350 fine
The defendant pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence in Edgeworthstown.
A Bulgarian man who was caught by Gardaí driving in county Longford without insurance has been fined.
Stanislav Mokanu of Bailis Village, Johnstown, Navan, county Meath pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence at Church Street, Edgeworthstown.
Garda Aidan Lenehan said he was on duty on December 30, 2024 at 3.40pm when he stopped the motorist.
Garda Lenehan stated he made a lawful demand to Mr Mokanu to produce his insurance cert at a garda station of his choice within 10 days, however, he failed to do so.
Judge Deirdre Gearty asked why the defendant drove without a policy.
"In this country you must have insurance to drive any car," she added.
Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, said in her client's country the rules around insurance are different.
The court heard Mr Mokanu is working and that is a key reason why he is so eager to keep his licence.
The defendant had no previous convictions.
Judge Gearty noted the details of the case and she imposed a €350 fine with five months to pay.
"I won't disqualify him from driving, he does not have any previous convictions and as long as he has work he needs to be able to drive," she added.