Motorist whose car was flagged up for no insurance put off the road for two years

A Buncrana man, whose vehicle was flagged up as having no insurance on the Garda mobile system, has been banned from driving for two years.

Patrick McLaughlin, of Milltown, Linsfort, Buncrana, did not show up at Buncrana District Court to answer a charge of driving without insurance.

However, Judge Ciaran Liddy ruled that the case against the 45-year-old could go ahead after being shown proof that he was notified about the proceedings.

Garda Mark Flanagan testified in evidence, telling the court how he had been on duty at Linsfort, Buncrana on Friday, March 14, 2025, when the offence was detected.

At 4.20pm that afternoon, Garda Flanagan observed a vehicle – a 2001-registered red Seat Toledo car – being driven by Patrick McLaughlin.

Checks on the Garda mobility device showed that there was no insurance listed on the vehicle.

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Garda Flanagan spoke with the driver, and a lawful demand was made for Mr McLaughlin to produce proof of his insurance to a Garda Station of his choice within ten days. He chose Buncrana Garda Station but failed to produce the required documentation.

After listening to the uncontested evidence, Judge Liddy found the “facts proven”.

He disqualified Mr McLaughlin from driving for a period of two years for the charge of no insurance, while also imposing a fine of €250, with three months to pay.

The judge said he would “take into account” an additional charge of failure to produce insurance.

Judge Liddy fixed recognisance at €100 cash in the event of an appeal against the outcome.