Man on insurance charge had seven previous convictions for driving without insurance
A man with seven previous convictions for driving without insurance has been directed to engage with the probation service and do a pro-social driving course before his next appearance in February.
Shane O’Connell (36), with an address at Tubberclare, Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath, appeared before Athlone District Court, again charged with driving without insurance and driving while disqualified.
The court heard how, on Wednesday, July 2, shortly before 10.40am at Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, while on patrol, Garda Lee Kelly observed a mechanically propelled vehicle - an Audi A3 - and indicated for it to stop.
The vehicle stopped, and Garda Kelly conducted enquiries on the Garda mobility device, where he learned that Mr O’Connell was disqualified from driving. There was also an active bench warrant for him.
Garda Kelly arrested him on foot of that bench warrant, and cautioned him. Mr O’Connell made no reply and was conveyed to Athlone Garda Station where, at 12.23pm, he was charged and made no reply.
He was then conveyed to Athlone District Court, where evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given and the bench warrant executed.
Among Mr O’Connell’s 27 previous convictions are seven for no insurance and the court heard that he was on bail for a public order charge at Roscommon District Court at the time of the commission of this offence.
A speeding summons was also served in the court for an offence date of May 3, 2023, but solicitor Dara Hayden informed the court that his client would be disputing that charge.
He previously received three concurrent three-month sentences for no insurance charges, and a four-month sentence for a fourth charge, served consecutively, with a four year disqualification on each of those charges. In 2021, he received a ten-year disqualification.
“He has an appalling record in terms of road traffic offences,” Mr Hayden accepted.
Mr O’Connell is a 36-year-old man who works as a labourer in Monksland and lives in Tubberclare. He has a partner and they are expecting their first child.
“He gets a lift to work but the person who gives him a lift had a personal issue on this occasion and, foolishly, he drove a vehicle in the yard to work,” said Mr Hayden.
“He has an awful record but is mindful that he is essentially looking down the barrel of a custodial sentence.
“He’s a good worker. He told me if there were ten days in the week, he’d work all of them. His partner drives, thankfully, and she ferries him around.
“Other than road traffic offences, his record isn’t very bad. He has a previous for assault, arising out of a family dispute. His brother was the complainant.
“He doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet. He’s a hard-working man. He would be suitable for community service, though obviously transport would be difficult. But perhaps a lengthy suspended sentence would motivate him.”
Judge Owens said Mr O’Connell has “an unrealistic view of what’s going to happen”.
“He’s not going to get a custodial sentence today, but that does not mean he won’t get a custodial sentence,” she said.
She directed a probation report, which will include an assessment for suitability for community service and ordered Mr O’Connell to complete a pro-social driving course.
He was remanded on continuing bail to February 11.
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