Six-year road ban for uninsured Offaly motorist who feared losing job if she did not drive to work

A disqualification from driving for six years was imposed on a woman who had no insurance.

Tullamore District Court was told that April Smith (39), Eiscir Island, Arden Road, Tullamore, had driven because she needed to get to work.

Ms Smith pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a driving licence at Arden Road, Tullamore on March 29 last.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said the accused was driving a Ford Focus when stopped and had previously been disqualified for three years for a similar offence in November 2022.

The garda sergeant also told Judge Andrew Cody that Ms Smith had been convicted of dangerous driving in 2017.

Defence counsel David Nugent said Ms Smith was a mother of three who was currently on social welfare but had previously been working.

On the date of the offence she had been promised a lift to her job but had to drive herself instead and was scared she would lose the employment if she did not do so.

Mr Nugent added that the woman was apologetic and had entered an early guilty plea.

Judge Cody said Ms Smith knew she was already disqualified so he imposed a fine of €500 along with a suspended six-month sentence.

He further imposed the six-year driving ban and another €250 for having no driving licence.

The judge fixed recognisances for an appeal at €200 cash and the woman's own bond of €200.