Buncrana woman put off the road for two years for second no insurance offence

A Buncrana woman has been disqualified for a period of two years after being caught driving without insurance for a second time.

Kirstin Kelly, of 8 Ard Crana, Buncrana, failed to appear before Buncrana District Court to answer the latest charge against her.

However, Judge Deirdre Gearty ruled that the case against the 25-year-old defendant could proceed in her absence.

“There’s no appearance by the defendant, but I’m satisfied that service is good. She was served by registered post, and I have the docket here,” the judge said.

Garda Tara McGrory was sworn-in to give evidence in the matter.

She testified how she had been on mobile patrol in the Cockhill area of Buncrana during the early hours of Friday, February 14, 2025.

On that date, Garda McGrory observed a vehicle – a 2014-registered white Renault Captur – being driven on the road.

The passing vehicle was flagged on the Garda system as having no insurance; it showed that the insurance had expired the previous October.

Garda McGrory stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver, who identified herself as Kirstin Kelly, of the above address.

“I subsequently made the demand under Section 59 of the Road Traffic Act for her to produce her insurance to a Garda Station within ten days. She chose Buncrana, but no documents were ever produced,” Garda McGrory testified.

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The judge queried as to when the demand was made for insurance, and Garda McGrory clarified that it had been at the roadside that night.

The court heard how Ms Kelly has one previous conviction for driving without insurance, dating back to 2023, when she was fined €200.

This time, Judge Gearty fined the Buncrana woman €350, with five months to pay, whilst she also disqualified her from driving for two years.

The judge noted the defendant's licence number and fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal at €100 cash.