A 29-year-old man with 84 previous convictions, including a disqualification from driving, was sentenced at Ballinrobe District Court sitting in Castlebar last week for driving a van with a false registration plate.
The man was out of jail at the time pending an appeal.
Garda Ciaran McGrath outlined that on September 16 this year a van driven by Gerard Twomey, Cappanihane, Ballyagran, Limerick, was stopped at Claremorris Road, Ballyhaunis. False number plates were displayed on the vehicle, with further enquiries showing that they were stolen from an Opel Astra in Cork. Twomey had no driving licence or insurance and also gave the garda a false name and address. However, when arrested and brought to the Garda Station, the defendant gave his correct details and admitted to gardaí that he was disqualified from driving.
Defending solicitor Aidan Crowley said that the married father was attending a car auction in Claremorris on the day of detection. Mr Crowley said that Twomey suffers from psychiatric and drink issues.
The court heard how the defendant was sentenced to Castlerea prison in March for dangerous driving and again in June for dangerous driving. Judge Mary Devins said that Twomey “had a short stay” in Castlerea and “didn’t linger too long” in Cork prison, and during a time when he was out of jail pending an appeal he committed these new offences.
Judge Devins said that this showed that “a custodial sentence means absolutely nothing”, where defendants brush their teeth, say their prayers, and come out the next day.
For handling the false registration plates Twomey was convicted and fined €500 and sentenced to three months in prison. For driving while disqualified the defendant was convicted and fined €1,000; disqualified for 20 years, with a certificate of competence also required and sentenced to three months in prison consecutive. For driving without insurance Twomey was convicted and fined €1,000, disqualified for 20 years concurrent and sentenced to three months in prison concurrent. For displaying the false registration plates the defendant was convicted and fined €300. Recognisnances were fixed.
