Judge gives chance to driver on third insurance breach
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence.
A young motorist who was detective driving without insurance for a third time has been given a suspended jail term.
Jordan Cawley, aged 20, of 17 Cluain na Rí, Ballina pleaded guilty at the local district court to driving without insurance or a licence.
Gda Ian Lynott told the court he observed the defendant driving a BMW 5 Series on Emmet Street, Ballina at around 11.54am on June 1 last. The car was not insured and was seized by the Garda. Cawley was cooperative and admitted the offence when stopped. He has two previous convictions for driving without insurance.
Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client has since sold the vehicle and asked Judge Sandra Murphy to consider imposing a community service order in lieu of a custodial sentence.
Judge Murphy expressed concern that Cawley was facing a third conviction of this nature.
“This is his third no insurance charge in a short period and it is concerning. It means that he is just not getting it when it comes to insurance."
The judge noted from his probation report that Cawley was under a lot of pressure but she had to consider the protection of the public.
Judge Murphy imposed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for one year. During that time, Cawley must attend meetings with the Probation Service and with the training and employment services. She also imposed a four-year driving ban and ordered Cawley to undergo the Pro-Social driving course.
“You are a young man and things may improve for you,” she concluded.
- Published as part of the Court Reporting Scheme.
