Took a chance driving without car insurance

AN elderly man who chanced driving without insurance to a physio session during a hailstone shower has been banned from driving for three years.

Joe Scanlon (72) of Oakfield Crescent, Maugheraboy, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at St John’s Hospital, Sligo on 17 th November 2016.

Inspector Donal Sweeney said Gardaí were called to the scene of a minor collision causing material damage that day.

He said Scanlon failed to produce insurance at a Garda station within ten days after the incident.

He added Scanlon had previous convictions for drink driving in 2006 and for fraudulently using a driving licence in 2004.

His solicitor Ms Ita Lyster said he was a widower who lived alone and couldn’t afford to insure his car.

She said he “took a chance” during hailstones to get to his physio session. He had since compensated the other driver and was no longer driving.

Judge Kilrane convicted and fined him ¤200 and disqualified him for three years.