Midlands meat factory worker's big fine for road traffic offence

A FINE of €500 has been imposed on a meat factory worker who was driving without insurance.

Brazilian national Osmar Da Rocha (52), Moycashel, Kilbeggan, admitted committing the offence at Kilbeggan on January 30 last.

At Tullamore District Court Mr Rocha's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, said that while the accused was not covered at that time, he does now have insurance.

Judge Andrew Cody heard the man was stopped at 3.01pm and had previous convictions for failing to produce an NCT certificate and having a false driving licence.

Mr Farrelly said Mr Da Rocha now had a valid licence and his own insurance which he had obtained at “enormous expense”.

He needed his driving licence so that he could stay in work with Kepak and a disqualification would cause him enormous difficulty.

Judge Cody gave the man three months to pay the fine.