Suspended jail term for driving without insurance
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A motorist has received a suspended prison sentence and a lengthy ban for repeatedly driving without insurance.
Jonathan Pereira Bastos of 5 Nally Stand, Lower James Street, Claremorris, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to the offence.
The court heard that Bastos was stopped on June 19, 2024 at Clare, Claremorris and produced a fake Spanish driving licence.
Defence solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client had accepted responsibility for the offence and was willing to do community service.
Bastos works as a welder and has always been gainfully employed. He has completed his theory test, and has now completed all of the driving lessons, but still does not have an Irish licence.
Judge Vincent Deane confirmed the accused was pleading guilty to having no insurance and noted there had been no previous disqualification, which the gardaí confirmed.
Judge Deane imposed a four-year driving ban and a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
The accused was bound to his own bond on the condition that he does not drive during the period of the suspended sentence.
Judge Deane warned that if he was caught driving again, “there is only one place he is going". A fine of €100 was also imposed.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme
