Carlow man gets prison sentence for third driving without insurance offence
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A MAN who “took a chance” and drove to get his mother something from the chemist in town was sentenced to four months in prison at a recent Carlow District Court sitting.
After several bench warrants were issued, Matthew Kennedy (32) Knockanarrigan, Donard, County Wicklow was arrested on 9 September for an offence dating to 26 March.
On that date, gardaí observed Mr Kennedy driving a car which was flagged as having no insurance so they stopped the vehicle and requested his licence and insurance certificate. None were produced.
Mr Kennedy entered a guilty plea under for driving without insurance.
Inspector Conor Nolan told the court that the defendant has a total of 24 previous convictions, which were all for road traffic offences. In a 2024 conviction for a hit-and-run and having no insurance or licence, Mr Kennedy was fined and disqualified for four years.
The defendant ‘‘acknowledged’’ his previous convictions, said solicitor Joe Farrell, noting this will be the third conviction for driving without insurance. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen him,” Mr Farrell reminded Judge Geraldine Carthy.
His client has been off the road but “took a chance on the day to try get something for mother in the pharmacy in town”.
Judge Carthy pointed out that Mr Kennedy was disqualified from driving at the time of the offence and said she was satisfied the threshold for a custodial sentence had been met. She sentenced him to four months in prison.
Mr Farrell asked her to fix recognisance, which she did, at €500 and on the condition that Mr Kennedy does not drive.
