Professional MMA fighter given driving ban in Laois court

A professional MMA fighter appeared in court in Portlaoise where it was alleged a car he was driving was being passed “from Billy to Jack” to avoid motor tax. 

Charles Ethan Ward (44) of 35 Leylandi House, Acragar, Mountmellick was before Portlaoise District Court for not having tax on a VW Golf car at Clonrehir, Portlaoise on July 31, 2024. 

Garda Stephen O’Hanlon stopped the car and discovered the tax was out for 278 days. He said the defendant stated that the car had just been bought. 

Garda O’Hanlon said “this vehicle has been passed between the Ward family from January 2023. 

“Passed from Billy to Jack,” Judge Andrew Cody commented. 

Garda O’Hanlon was unable to say how many family members had owned the car but he claimed the changing of ownership was a system he regularly saw with people who were trying to evade paying tax.  He said the defendant had 10 previous convictions.

Anne Doyle BL said “there is no evidence it was passed from person to person.” 

When the defendant attempted to address Judge Cody, the judge said, “I am not taking speeches from the floor.” 

Ms Doyle produced a log book which showed the defendant had become the owner of the car shortly before he was stopped. 

Judge Cody asked her who had owned the car before her client bought it. She said it belonged to his son. She said the tax was now paid on the car. 

“I am instructed that he is a professional fighter in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts),” said Ms Doyle. 

Judge Cody disqualified the man from driving for three months and fined him €1,000.  He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.