Driver told he will face four-year ban if caught driving without insurance again

A man who was caught driving without insurance has been convicted and fined, but was granted the discretion of the court in not imposing a disqualification for a first offence.

The case of Dean Johnson, 20, of 14 New Brook Court, Letterkenny was before Donegal District Court sitting in Ballyshannon on Wednesday, October 1. He admitted driving without insurance on February 14, 2025 on the N15 road at Birchill, Donegal Town. 

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a black Peugeot 307 was stopped by gardaí. Lawful demand was made for the production of insurance documents to a garda station within ten days. The documents were not produced. 

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions in the Republic of Ireland. 

Solicitor Frank Dorrian conveyed a plea of guilty on behalf of his client.

“He was driving his girlfriend’s mother’s car with full consent,” said Mr Dorrian. 

“He is currently unemployed and is doing his best to get employment. He lives in a rural area.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she would use her discretion not to impose a disqualification for the first offence in the jurisdiction.

“He is fortunate in that regard,” said Judge Cunningham. “Should he come back before the court, he will face a mandatory four-year disqualification. 

“This is the only chance he will get.”

Johnson was fined €200.