Uninsured driver 'appeared to try to avoid' Garda checkpoint in the Midlands
Gardaí stopped the defendant at a checkpoint at Churchview Drive, Drumlish on June 9, 2022
A judge has said a Longford motorist, who was caught driving without insurance on two occasions, will be directed to complete 120 hours of community service if he is deemed suitable by the probation services.
Daniel Cooney of Cairnhill View, Drumlish pleaded guilty to both offences.
Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint at Churchview Drive, Drumlish on June 9, 2022 at 1.30am when they pursued and stopped a driver who appeared to try to avoid the checkpoint.
Gardaí subsequently spoke to Mr Cooney and noted an expired insurance disc displayed on the vehicle and there was no tax displayed.
The defendant told officers he was insured but he had forgotten to put his new insurance disc in the window.
Sgt Mahon stated a demand was made to Mr Cooney to produce his insurance and driving licence at a garda station within ten days, however, he failed to do so.
The defendant was issued with a fixed charge penalty notice fine in relation to the tax, but it went unpaid.
Sgt Mahon said Garda Alan Doherty and Garda Conor Foley were on patrol at Ballyminion when they stopped the motorist on April 19 last at 1.30am and they checked a mobility device and learnt Mr Cooney was disqualified for a period of four years.
The defendant's vehicle was seized and he was arrested and charged.
Mr Cooney had eight previous convictions with two of those for driving without insurance.
Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client had bought insurance, however, his provisional licence had run out, which rendered his policy invalid.
"Because his provisional licence had run out and he hadn't been aware of it and he had not renewed it he was obviously disqualified and he got the four years."
Ms Mimnagh, who appealed for leniency, stated he lives out the country and on both occasions he was trying to get to work.
Judge Bernadette Owens directed a community service report and indicated if it was positive she would impose 120 hours in lieu of four months imprisonment.