A father of four who, when collecting his child from school, was observed by a garda driving, even though he was disqualified from driving for 15 years, was sentenced to three months in prison and further disqualified from driving at Ballina District Court this week.
Garda Mark Kilbride observed Darren Moran, 11 Tom Clarke Place, Ballina, on September 8 2009 at 3.05pm get into a car outside the national school on Convent Hill and drive towards the garda. Garda Kilbride knew the defendant and removed his civilian coat to reveal the garda uniform. Upon seeing this, Moran pulled the vehicle to the side of the road.
The garda informed the defendant that he was disqualified and asked for a production of insurance and driving licence which were not produced. The vehicle, which belonged to Moran’s partner, was seized and later returned to her.
Moran told the court that he was waiting with the child outside his mother’s house, which is right beside the school, in the car but he denied driving the car.
Judge Mary Devins said that it “was a very far fetched story” and convicted and fined the defendant, who has previous convictions, €750 for having no insurance, disqualified him from driving for 10 years and sentenced him to one month in prison. For driving while disqualified Judge Devins convicted and fined him €750, disqualified him from driving for 15 years to be served concurrent, and sentenced him to prison for two months to be served consecutively. Recognisances were fixed.
