‘Fortunate’ Donegal Town man avoids prison sentence for driving without insurance

A Donegal Town man was told he was “fortunate” to receive a suspended prison sentence and a driving disqualification at Donegal District Court after being found guilty of driving without insurance.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham gave Dariusz Pojawa, 44, of 52 The Grange, Donegal Town, a two-month sentence, suspended for a period of 12 months on condition of entering into a Section 99 bond of €200, as well as a four-year driving disqualification, and a fixed recognisance of €200 in the event of an appeal.

A charge of driving without a licence was also taken into consideration by Judge Cunningham. 

Pojawa was serving a driving ban at the time of his offences. 

He was found driving without insurance or a driving licence on June 7, 2025, in Spierstown, Donegal Town, contrary to Section 56 (1) & (3) Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2006, and contrary to Section 38 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and contrary to Section 38 (2)(a)(ii) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as substituted by Section 12(a) of the Road Traffic Act 2006. 

Gerry McGovern, solicitor to Mr Pojawa, told Judge Cunningham: “I understand that there were about 26 days to go in the previous conviction, and it all would have been legit, but he must face the consequences now. 

“He is a married man with a young family. I have outlined the consequences. It is a very serious matter.

“I am told he is a very hard-working man who puts a lot of time into his family. He should have waited. He was very close to having everything finalised, but people do stupid and foolish things. I ask you not to impose a custodial sentence, although you may be tempted to. 

Judge Cunningham noted previous convictions of Pojawa, and said: “He is fortunate I am not giving him a custodial sentence, but I am giving him a suspended sentence.

“He must realise he can not drive on the roads.”