Lengthy driving ban for no insurance
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A 32-year-old motorist who lives in Ballyhaunis has been disqualified from driving for four years after being caught again without insurance.
Dato Tabidze, of 3A Old Convent, Abbey Street, Ballyhaunis, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to driving without a licence or insurance.
Sgt John Barrett told the court that members of the Garda Roads Policing Unit stopped the defendant on Abbey Street, Ballyhaunis, on November 11, 2024. His vehicle had no valid NCT, tax, or insurance, and Tabidze admitted at the scene that he had no driving licence. He was issued with fixed charge penalty notices for tax and non-display, which were later paid.
The court heard that Tabidze was fined at Castlerea District Court in 2023 for similar offences.
Solicitor Cathy McDarby said her client, a father of two, holds a Lithuanian driving licence but only has a photograph of it, claiming to have “lost it” upon entering Ireland. He attempted to regularise his situation, obtaining a new insurance policy at a “considerable cost” of €200 per month under his sister's name. However, Ms McDarby noted that several previous policies were cancelled for non-payment.
Imposing fines totalling €650 and a four-year driving ban, Judge Sandra Murphy said the court previously gave Tabidze a chance.
