Man jailed for driving while disqualified

A YOUNG man who was caught driving without insurance and while under a two year driving ban has been disqualified from driving for ten years and sentenced to five months in custody.

Judge John Coughlan told Jason O’Brien (26) he is ‘in gross contempt by driving while disqualified.’

Drogheda District Court heard the defendant was stopped by gardai at 10.45pm at Carranstown in Duleek. He had no insurance and no driving licence. The defendant, of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda pleaded guilty to the offences which happened on March 19th, 2016.

He has 12 previous convictions, including driving without insurance dating back to 2011 and dangerous driving.

A two year disqualification was imposed on him on May 31st, 2014, the court heard.

Defence barrister Irene Sands said the defendant, who is on social welfare, has a partner and a child.

‘I am asking for you to be as lenient as you can,’ Ms Sands asked Judge Coughlan, adding the defendant is aware he is facing a disqualification from driving.

Imposing the custodial sentence and driving ban, Judge Coughlan said the defendant is ‘in gross contempt by driving while disqualified. He goes to Mountjoy.’

He fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.