Five-year ban for man who drove in Offaly while disqualified

A FIVE-year disqualification from driving was imposed on a motorist who had previously been banned from the road.

Tullamore District Court heard that Andrea Ziflai (37), Grove Street, Crinkle had been disqualified from driving twice in October 2023, once for two years and once for four years.

Judge Susan Fay was told that Garda Garry Martin stopped Mr Ziflai driving a 2014 Dublin registered vehicle on January 19 last at John's Place, Birr.

Drugs valued at €50 were found and they were for the personal use of the accused, the court heard.

Disqualifications for driving without insurance were among 10 previous convictions the man had, Sergeant Brendan Kearns said. He had no previous convictions for drugs offences.

A guilty plea was entered by Patrick Martin, defending solicitor, who said that his client had “stupidly” driven the vehicle because he had to collect his girlfriend.

Mr Martin said Mr Ziflai, a father of one, was in full time employment and had only driven a short distance at the time of the offence.

Judge Fay requested the completion of a community service suitability assessment by probation officer Tracey Carroll and on receipt of it, the judge ordered Mr Ziflai to complete 150 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison.

Along with a five-year driving ban for no insurance, she fined the man €400 for a driving licence offence. Mr Ziflai was given six months to pay the fine.

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For the drugs offence she noted the defendant had €300 in court but she also referred the man to the Alternative Project.

Judge Fay indicated that if the project was completed she would apply the Probation Act but if it was not there would be a fine of €400.

Mr Ziflai was remanded on continuing bail to appear in court again on June 17 next.