Uninsured driver in Midlands attempted to evade gardai and swap position with passenger

A defendant who came before Judge Bernadette Owens on nine charges relating to a single incident of driving without documentation had matters concluded at a recent sitting of Longford District Court.

Marian Vavrek (48) of 6 Chapel Apartments, Edgeworthstown, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens in respect of an incident on February 23, 2023. Mr Vavrek came to Garda attention near Shroid, on the Dublin Road in Longford.

Sergeant Enda Daly told the judge the defendant attempted to evade Gardaí by pulling off the road when he was followed by a patrol car. The officers in the Garda vehicle saw Mr Vavrek attempt to swap position with the passenger.

When the Gardaí spoke to the driver he admitted he had no tax, insurance or NCT. He also failed to produce the documents within 10 days.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client, a Slovakian national, had no convictions at the time. Noting the defendant was on remand for another matter, to which he is pleading not guilty, Judge Owens imposed a fine of €450 for the no insurance charge, and a fine of €250 for the no driving licence charge.

The judge directed that the fines be paid forthwith, or the default payment of five days in custody would come into effect. Mr Vavrek was also disqualified from driving for two years.