Insurance payment failed to land in carer’s account
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A CARE worker who was caught driving uninsured after an expected payment from a third party failed to land in her account, causing her insurance payment to bounce, avoided a driving ban at Carlow District Court recently.
Mariarosa Lawlor (44) of Maple Park, Rivercourt, Carlow pleaded guilty through her solicitor Joe Farrell to driving without a licence and without insurance. Mr Farrell noted Ms Lawlor was a private client.
The court heard that on 10 February, gardaí stopped a car in Carlow town and spoke to the driver, who failed to produce a valid licence and insurance. The vehicle was seized at the time.
In mitigation, Mr Farrell said: “She’s never had any difficulties before or since. She has always had insurance; I have some documents here.”
He told the court that “she was waiting for money to come into the account; it didn’t come in and the insurance payment bounced”.
Mr Farrell said his client has children and a busy household while working in the care profession, adding: “Money was due in from a third party. I won’t go into this in open court.”
“Was it a cashflow issue?” asked Judge Andrew McCarthy.
“Yes, but maybe not of her doing,” replied Mr Farrell. “I would ask the court not to impose a disqualification. I would say she is the most worried person in the room right now.”
Judge McCarthy said the insurance lapse was a “consequence of being let down”, but added that “unfortunately there is a liability matter here”.
He convicted Ms Lawlor and fined her €100 for having no licence and €200 for having no insurance but declined to impose a disqualification.
“She’s very fortunate, judge,” said Mr Farrell.
“If a similar charge is brought again, she won’t have the same comfort,” warned Judge McCarthy.
