Learner driver with Tullamore address disqualified for driving with no insurance

A learner driver who was detected driving unaccompanied by a full license holder was disqualified for no insurance at Tullamore District Court on Wednesday last.

Appearing before Judge Andrew Cody was Gustavo Louzeiro Lopes (24), with an address at Apartment 1, Merchant's House, Market Square, Tullamore.

Sgt. Kearns, court presenter, said that on December 21, 2024 at Castle Avenue, Ballykilmore, Tyrrellspass in County Westmeath the defendant was alleged to be driving a black Vauxhall Astra without insurance when he was stopped by Garda Linnane.

He was asked to produce a driving licence or learner permit and failed to do so within 10 days at a Garda Station. The defendant was driving and holds a learner permit and was not accompanied by a full licence holder.

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The court heard the defendant has five previous convictions, all relating to road traffic matters, including no insurance and no valid road worthiness certificate.

Solicitor for the defendant, Brian Duffy, said his client, a Brazilian national, pleads guilty to all offences. He was driving a friend's car on the date of the alleged offence believing he was insured to drive the vehicle and is currently in the second year of a carpentry apprenticeship.

Mr Duffy asked the Judge to hold the date of commencement of the disqualification from driving until after September of 2026 to facilitate the defendant completing a driving test.

"I understand the irony of that," Mr. Duffy said to Judge Cody, adding his client had attempted to move forward the date of the driving test but was unsuccessful and understands he faces a significant period of disqualification.

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For the offence of driving without insurance Judge Cody disqualified Mr. Lopes from driving for four years beginning on September 26, 2026, and fined him €800 with six months to pay.

Judge Cody also fined him €250 with six months to pay for driving unaccompanied by a full licence holder while on a learner permit and took all other matters into consideration.