A man has appeared in court for possessing a fake driving licence.
Vasile Muntean, of 119 Meadowbrook, Willow Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to using a false licence at Cuillaun, Swinford, on September 11, 2019.
Gda Ray Guilfoyle said he was conducting a speed check at Ballyglass East, Charlestown, when he recorded a motorist driving at 136kph in a 100kph zone. He pursued the vehicle and stopped the driver, who had a learner’s permit, and reminded him that a driver with a full licence needed to accompany him. At this point, the front seat passenger, Muntean, handed over a driving licence, which Gda Guilfoyle suspected was fraudulent.
The garda took possession of the licence and sent it for an examination. It was deemed to be a fake.
Muntean is currently in prison over a separate matter and is not due to be released until February 2024.
Gda Insp David Gibbons informed Judge Marie Keane that a four-month suspended jail term imposed in March 2020 has also been triggered by the latest conviction. Muntean has a long list of previous convictions.
Solicitor Tom Walsh said his client is a father of four who worked in a bakery before he was jailed.
“He obviously has an appalling record and multiple convictions accrued,” he added.
Mr Walsh said the offence was four years ago and he appealed to Judge Marie Keane for leniency.
Judge Keane imposed a three-month jail term but agreed to let it run concurrently with the existing sentence.
