Driver stopped near Offaly border was already banned from road

A TWO-year road ban was imposed on a man after Tullamore District Court heard he had been driving despite being subject to a three-month disqualification.

Romildo Barbosa Messias (35), Abbeybrook Court, Kilbeggan, admitted committing road traffic offences on the N52 road at Hallsfarm, Kilbeggan on December 28 last year.

Mr Messias' solicitor, Patrick Martin, told the court his client had the three-month disqualification but did not realise it had taken effect on that date.

Garda Ronan Moore said the three-month ban was imposed on November 25 last for drink-driving following the issuing of a fixed charge penalty notice.

Judge Andrew Cody remarked that Mr Messias had therefore driven while he was disqualified and Mr Martin said his client, who had “very poor English”, thought the three months commenced on the date he was originally stopped, which was in September.

A married father of one, he worked in a meat factory and always had insurance on his vehicle, including at the time of his disqualification.

Judge Cody imposed a two-year disqualification and fined Mr Messias a total of €1,000.

He also fixed recognisances in the event the man wishes to appeal against the conviction.

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