Suspended prison sentence for Offaly man caught driving without insurance for second time

A MAN received a suspended sentence at last week's district court when he appeared on a summons for driving without insurance .

On July 18 2023, Garda Joseph Bradley stopped Daire Kennedy, (28) Killowen, Rhode, at Ballykilleen Cross, Edenderry.

Mr Kennedy was unable to produce insurance. He elected to present it at Edenderry Garda Station but failed to do so.

Daire Kennedy who pleaded guilty to the offence had six previous convictions and had previously been disqualified for two years. He had also had a prior conviction for holding a mobile phone and was fined €500 while driving and giving a false name and address.

A barrister for Mr Kennedy said his client feared disqualification as he had taken on part-time work. He was also doing a course in accounting. He said his driving licence was essential and he had pleaded guilty as early as he could.

Judge Andrew Cody said he had no discretion as this was Mr Kennedy's second conviction for driving with no insurance.