Fined for attempting to exchange false UK licence for Irish licence

A man has been fined €300 for attempting to exchange a false UK driving licence for a genuine Irish one in 2021.

Wu Chen (36), of Beijing Gardens, Chapel Lane, Ferbane, Co Offaly, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

That charge related to December 21, 2021, when he tried to exchange the UK licence for an Irish one at the NDLS Office, Golden Island, Athlone.

Mr Chen indicated via an interpreter that he was electing to have his case dealt with in the District Court and was pleading guilty.

His solicitor, Tony McGlynn, told the court that the accused had no previous convictions, and said there was difficulty in tracking him down, which resulted in the lengthy delay between charge and appearance in court.

“There was no intent to commit a crime. He’s no criminal mastermind. It was more naivety,” said Mr McGlynn.

“He had come across this Facebook page that gave him the option of getting a UK licence for a fee and so he was at a loss. He opted for the easy option rather than going through the process of passing the test. But if he had given it any thought, he’d have realised he’d be in trouble.”

Mr Chen has been in Ireland since 2010, the court heard, and currently works in a takeaway in Offaly.

Judge Owens proceeded to convicted and fine Mr Chen €300, giving him six months to pay.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme