Mechanic in the Midlands banned from driving for four years
Defendant faced six charges of driving without documentation
A mechanic for whom “cars are his life” was banned from the road for four years for driving without documentation.
Joseph Ward (29) of Kilcarrow, Ballinalee, Longford faced six charges relating to driving without documentation.
Sergeant Enda Daly told Longford District Court that officers stopped a vehicle on the Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown.
Speaking to the driver it transpired the vehicle had no tax or NCT. The driver, Mr Ward, admitted he did not have a driver's licence and told the Gardaí he was disqualified since 2022.
The defendant was arrested, with Sgt Daly saying he cooperated at the scene and in the station. The court was told the defendant was serving a driving ban following his convicted for drink driving.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was very apologetic: “He wants the court to know he respects the order of the District Court.”
Mr Gearty said for the defendant “cars are his life”. The solicitor said Mr Ward has “worked everyday of his life as a mechanic” apart from a period where he had health issues.
“Since his disqualification Joseph has had an arrangement where his employer and his father bring him to work. On the day he was stopped his father had a medical appointment and he regretfully took a chance. This was not a normal state of affairs,” Mr Gearty explained.
The solicitor said if Mr Ward had been patient he would have been able to make an application in September to have his licence restored.
“The consequences for this young man are catastrophic,” Mr Gearty said, “He did not intend to disrespect your order and he now knows the consequences of his action.”
Among the challenges the defendant has faced was a period when he underwent treatment for stomach cancer, Mr Gearty said: “He is not using this as an excuse, he knows there are consequences of what he has done.”
Judge Bernadette Owens said she would give the defendant credit for his early plea and the fact he was very forthright and co-operative with Gardaí.
Judge Owens imposed a fine of €600 with seven months to pay and disqualified Mr Ward for four years.