Man caught driving without insurance was ‘coming to the aid of a friend’

A district court judge said he would exercise his discretion in not imposing a conviction on a young man caught driving without insurance. 

This was due to the exceptional circumstances and the fact that it was a first offence. 

Adam Muray, 21, of Leitrim Hill, Mountcharles, was not present for the hearing in Donegal District Court on Monday. His solicitor Rory O’Brien said the defendant who works in Dublin had ‘overlooked the date’ but was happy for the matter to proceed.

Garda Gerard Curtis told the court that he had been on duty in the early hours of February 5, 2023. At 3.50am he observed a BMW 5 Series being driven without any insurance displayed at Bridge Street, Donegal Town. 

“I made a lawful demand for insurance to be produced,” said Garda Curtis. “He chose Ballyshannon Garda Station. 

“He failed to produce and hasn’t produced insurance since.”

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Rory O’Brien appealed to the court to be as lenient as possible. 

“He was coming to the aid of a friend who wasn’t in a position to drive,” said Mr O’Brien. 

“He knows he shouldn’t have done it.” 

Judge Michael Connellan said that in the circumstances, he would not impose a disqualification from holding a driving licence. 

However, the defendant was fined €750 for driving without insurance and a further €250 for failing to produce insurance.

Recognisance was set at €200 in the event of an appeal being lodged.