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A man with a string of convictions for driving without insurance avoided a prison sentence when he was once again convicted of the offence at Ballinasloe District Court. The defendant’s solicitor, Gearóid Geraghty had told the Judge that his client was pleading guilty and “knew the writing was on the wall” for him, referring to the likelihood that he would receive a custodial sentence for repeat offending. The Court heard that Noel Hoare, Ballinaheglish, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, had been put off the road for driving without insurance on a number of occasions but continued to drive while banned. He had received a four-year ban when convicted of the same offence when it came before Tuam District Court last November. He had attempted to evade Gardaí at a checkpoint in Creggs in August 2024 as he was disqualified at the time and had no insurance. In all, Hoare had nine previous convictions, all for road traffic offences, Judge James Faughnan heard. Mr Geraghty pleaded that his client was 28 and had serious mental health issues. He was pleading guilty and knew the writing was on the wall this time. Because of his health issues he was unable to help himself, but his family were supportive and in Court to support him. Judge Faughnan said he understood the issues involved and had sympathy, but he had to take the matters before him seriously. He imposed a total of 10 months in prison, but suspended the sentences. In addition a further four-year driving ban was imposed, but he said he wouldn’t be imposing a 10- or 20-year driving ban as he was applying the “totality principle”. This also applied to his decision not to send Hoare to prison. The totality principle is applied by judges when a series of convictions added together might result in an excessive punishment. This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
