Offaly detective says driving licence was 'worst fake' he had ever seen

A GARDA told Tullamore District Court that an alleged fake licence a Taiwanese national had was the worst he had ever seen.

A hearing was scheduled for May 19 next after the prosecution of John Smith (41), Apartment 24, Block 1, Gallery Quay, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 came before Judge Andrew Cody.

Mr Smith appeared in court with his solicitor, Patrick Martin, and is denying three alleged offences at Arden, Tullamore on the N52 road on September 2 last year.

Mr Smith is accused of using a fake Greek driving licence which he knew or believed to be a false instrument.

The man, who had the assistance of an interpreter in court, is also alleged to have driven without insurance and without a driving licence.

Detective Garda David Harney told the court Mr Smith had provided him with another driving licence from Vanuatu which he said was of very, very poor quality.

“It's the worst fake I've ever seen,” remarked Detective Garda Harney and he said the prosecution would have to be adjourned for it to be examined.

Judge Cody viewed the licence when it was handed in to him and said that for the second time on the same day, “somebody thinks it's Fools' Day”.

He commented on the licence: “You couldn't for a minute believe that that's real, the printing is up and down and all over.”

Mr Martin said he would take instructions from his client and Detective Garda Harney said he had explained to the accused's interpreter that he believed the licence to be fake and that Mr Smith would be cautioned.

The garda said he was told the licence had been obtained in the Vanuatu Republic which Mr Martin explained was an island in the Pacific.

Prompting laughter in the courtroom Judge Cody responded: “Not out near Clonbullogue or anything, no?”

Detective Garda Harney said he understood the defendant was a Taiwanese national with Vanuatu citizenship.

When the court presenter, Sergeant Brendan Kearns, raised the issue of insurance, the garda said that the fake Greek driving licence had been accepted by Axa, hence the existence of an insurance policy in Ireland.

Judge Cody noted that the driving licence charge which had been brought against Mr Smith related not to a Taiwanese licence but one from a different nation.

Mr Martin said his client also had an international driving permit.

The judge indicated that he would reserve a hearing date for the matter and remanded Mr Smith on continuing bail to appear in court on May 19 next.

He said the “Vanuatese” licence could be given back to Mr Smith and told the man: “You should be warned now that's it's a time when you stop digging.”

He also told Mr Martin that Mr Smith could “peddle that story” at his own risk.

Mr Martin said he could get the licence examined.

Judge Cody then asked the interpreter if he had been interpreting for Mr Smith.

When the man said he had, the judge replied: “I haven't seen you move your lips in the last 15 minutes.”

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The interpreter indicated that he had been speaking to Mr Smith prior to the court and the judge told him that if he was in court as an interpreter he would have to interpret what was being said.

“Have you told him the risk of putting forward a fake licence to the court?” Judge Cody asked.

Mr Martin explained the judge's question and the interpreter said the accused man was aware of the risk.

Judge Cody asked again if Mr Smith understood the risk and added: “He's at risk of jail if he's spoofing to me about a fake licence.”

The judge also remarked to Detective Garda Harney that he might have to “travel to Vantanese or wherever it is to check it out.”