Judge warns repeat offender he is 'in grave danger' of going to prison
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A Claremorris man gave gardaí a false name after he was caught driving without insurance or a licence.
Lukas Bartninkas, of 25 Clareville, Claremorris, appeared before Castlebar District Court in relation to an incident at Leedaun, Claremorris, on November 4, 2025. Garda Ian Lynott told the court he stopped a Skoda Superb at 2.38pm after the Garda number-plate recognition system drew attention to the vehicle.
The driver, Lukas Bartninkas, initially gave a false name, but later provided his correct details. Gardaí established he had no driving licence and no insurance.
In court, Judge Sandra Murphy offered the defendant the opportunity to obtain legal representation, but he declined, stating he wished to plead guilty and did not want a solicitor. He told the court he had taken the car to get coal to heat his house, but accepted this was not an excuse. He explained the vehicle had originally belonged to his father, and he bought it so his partner, who holds a full licence and insurance, could bring their young child to crèche. She has since transferred her insurance onto the car, which was taxed and had an NCT.
Bartninkas said he is the sole earner in the household, is renting a property and has a 17-month-old child.
The court heard he has previous convictions for motoring offences. Judge Murphy noted he had been convicted as recently as December 2024, and still chose to drive while disqualified.
“If you come before the courts again, there is a real risk of going to prison. You are in grave danger," she said.
Judge Murphy imposed a four-year driving ban and fines totalling €500.
