An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court.
Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate.
The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025.
Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station.
Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question.
Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.
Judge Shalom Binchy said the offence was serious but took account of the guilty plea, the absence of previous convictions and the accused’s financial circumstances.
The judge imposed a €450 fine, to be paid within six months, and did not impose a disqualification.