Uninsured motorist in the Midlands detected by Gardaí after driving with no lights on

A mother of four who was detected driving without insurance has been convicted and fined.

Rita Gyasi of 40 Bracklin Park, Edgeworthstown pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence on July 16, 2024.

Garda Gerard Clogher said Gardaí were on mobile patrol in Edgeworthstown when they observed the defendant driving a vehicle with no lights on.

Officers subsequently stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver Ms Gyasi.

Garda Clogher stated there was no insurance displayed on the vehicle and the defendant admitted having no valid insurance policy and the car was seized.

The officer said a lawful demand was made to Ms Gyasi to produce her insurance cert and driving licence at a garda station of her choice within 10 days, however, she failed to do so.
The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client, a widower and a mother of four, had only recently purchased the vehicle and she had applied through a broker to change the insurance policy over.

"She had believed at the time she had done so and it was only when she was stopped by Garda Clogher that she was made aware that there was no insurance on the car.

"She has since insured it and she has always had insurance prior to that."

Ms Reynolds said her client works as a carer in a nursing home in Longford and she asked Judge Bernadette Owens not to disqualify her.

Judge Owens considered the facts and decided to impose a €450 fine with five months to pay.