A pastor caught driving without a licence was fined just €40 at a special sitting of Athlone District Court this week (February 1 ) after the judge heard his only income was through the church.
Judge William Earley heard how Pastor Osias Resplandes Chaves (44 ), with an address at Valley Court, Athlone was stopped on the morning of September 18.
Garda Martin Murray told the court that though Pastor Chaves held a Brazilian and an international licence at the time, neither were valid for use in Ireland.
Defence solicitor, Mr Gerry Gallagher, told the court that his client had booked a test in the interim, and though he had failed his first go on January 20, he had booked another one.
“He hasn’t been driving since and is clear on that,” said Mr Gallagher.
“He has two small children and his only income is through the [Assembly of God] church.”
Judge Earley accepted this and fined Pastor Chaves just €40.
