Man living in Offaly refugee centre drove without insurance

A MAN caught driving without insurance in Tullamore was a refugee from Swaziland, the local District Court was told.

Garda Shane Costello said he stopped Dumsani Clement Ncongwane (43), Marian Hostel, McGinn House, High Street, Tullamore, at 3.50pm on December 13 last year.

Garda Costello said the man, who was driving a 2007 Clare registered Toyota Yaris, was an unaccompanied learner driver who had no insurance.

He had no previous convictions.

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Mr Ncongwane's solicitor, Patrick Martin, said the accused, who pleaded guilty, was a Swaziland national who had been living in Ireland for a year.

Mr Martin said his client apologised for the offence and had not driven since.  He had come to Ireland as a refugee and hoped to work as a carpenter and for that reason would need a car.

Garda Costello said he believed the car belonged to Mr Ncongwane's sister and she also lived in the Marian Hostel.

Judge Andrew Cody imposed a fine of €500 but said he would not disqualify the defendant from driving.