Man in the Midlands in "last chance saloon" as judge puts him off road for 15 years

A man convicted of driving without insurance twice, despite already serving a ban, avoided a prison term, but was disqualified from driving for 15 years at Longford District Court.

Michal Klosowski (45) of 22 Higginstown Wood, Granard, Longford was before the court facing six motoring charges arising for two stoppages by Gardai.

Mr Klosowski was charged with driving without insurance or a driver's licence on August 22, 2021 at Higginstown, Granard and failing to produce the documents and the same offences on October 7, 2021, also at Higginstown in Granard.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined details of the incident to the court. He told Judge Bernadette Owens the defendant came to Garda attention on the August and October dates. The court heard Mr Klosowski has 19 previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty explained his client initially intended contesting the charges as he believed he had an insurance policy in place. Mr Klosowski thought he was serving a disqualification as a result of an accumulation of penalty points, however it was actually a court imposed sanction.

Mr Gearty said the mix up was the result of a “breakdown in communication” between solicitors representing the defendant in a different District Court area.

The insurance policy the defendant purchased was a “waste of money” as he was disqualified.

Mr Gearty asked Judge Owens to consider not imposing a custodial sentence, adding that Mr Kowolski was “extremely respectful of the court orders”.

The solicitor said if the judge would consider a suspended sentence his client will know it is “the last chance saloon”. Mr Gearty told the court the married father of three has been in employment since he came to Ireland.

In summing up Judge Owens said it was difficult to overlook the “significant relevant previous convictions''.

Recording a conviction the judge imposed a four month custodial sentence for the no insurance charge and a 10 year disqualification, but suspended it for 12 months on a bond of €250 for the August offence.

That also attracted a 10 year disqualification and a fine of €500 for driving without a licence.

For the October charges the defendant received a four month sentence for no insurance to be served consecutive to the first term, but that was suspended for a period of two years. A further fine of €500 was attached to the no drivers licence and a 15 year driving ban was imposed.