Insurance cover not compulsory in Iraq – defendant

INSURANCE cover is not compulsory in Iraq, the District Court learned from defending solicitor Lana Doherty.

She represented Albeer Alkhawri (25) from 1 Bridge Grove, Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy before Judge Gerard Haughton.

He admitted being on the road at The Fairways in Mulgannon last year where he was intercepted by Garda Mairead Cummins.

Ms Doherty explained that her client arrived from Ireland no more than seven months before the offence.

He and his mother, who was present for the hearing, fled Iraq after his father and brother were both killed.

He now cared for his wheelchair-bound mother, while also taking a course in computer coding.

The court was told that there is no requirement to tax or insure vehicles in Iraq.

He had a licence issued in his country of origin at the time of the offence but this was not valid in Ireland.

The solicitor assured the judge that the defendant had since put his insurance and licence in order.

He was fined €250, with six months allowed for payment.