Noinsurance sentence appealed

A man with 11 previous convictions for driving without insurance has appealed the severity of a six-month prison sentence for a further charge.

John McDonagh (26), Rathfarnham, Dublin 12, appeared in Wicklow Circuit Court last Thursday.

The penalty relates to driving on Killarney Road in Bray on Monday, June 23, 2014.

Barrister Eibhlín Ní Raghallaigh said that the maximum penalty had been imposed, while McDonagh had entered a plea of guilty in the District Court.

Judge Mary O’Malley Costello, said that Judge Griffin had previously ordered medical reports relating to McDonagh and they were not before the court.

Ms Ní Raghallaigh said that her client has been married for eight years. His wife is expecting their third child.

She said that he can get a bus from near his home for any activities.

‘This is the first time in his life that he is making an effort to gain employment,’ she said.

He is doing a course, and a report indicated that he has good attendence and is ‘an excellent asset and has a lot to contribute’.

The matter was adjourned to the next sitting of Wicklow Circuit Court for the production of a medical report.