Kildare man keeps licence despite fourth insurance conviction
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN caught driving without insurance a fourth time was told he was “very lucky” to be allowed retain his licence after the judge heard his last conviction had been 14 years previously.
Athy District Court heard how 41-year-old Daniel Walsh of Blackhall, Calverstown, Killcullen was stopped at Gallow’s Hill on the Dublin Road in Athy on 16 December 2023, where gardaí discovered the lack of valid insurance on his vehicle.
Subsequently he was charged with this and eight other road-traffic offences.
On noting the guilty plea, Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told the court that Walsh had three previous convictions for driving without insurance.
“This time he’s putting his hands up,” offered defending solicitor Seamus Boyle.
“The loss of his licence will affect him very badly, as he works on building sites all over,” he added.
Sgt Hanrahan then added that the defendant’s last conviction for no insurance was back in 2011, “and there’s been no issue since”.
Hearing this, Judge Desmond Zaidan mused for a moment before asking, “do you think you deserve a chance?”
Mr Walsh did not reply and the judge explained that he could put him off the road for up to two years, but would not be doing that and would mitigate the fine for having no insurance down from the maximum €5,000 to €500.
He also fined him a further €100 for non-production of his licence within the mandatory 28 days, another €250 for no NCT, but took into consideration the remaining six minor charges.
“I’ll let him keep his licence, he’s very lucky,” said the judge.
“I’m getting more generous as I get older."
