Four-year ban by Carlow court for not having insurance
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A THIRTY-TWO-year-old Moldovan national who has been living in Ireland for over two decades has been disqualified from driving for four years after he was caught driving without insurance while waiting for a refund from his cancelled policy. Victor Bordianu, 8 Church Terrace, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow appeared before Carlow District Court charged with driving without insurance at Milltown, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow on 7 May 2025 at 6.25am.
The court heard that Garda Prendergast stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant, who produced a Romanian driving licence at the scene. Inquiries showed there was no active insurance policy on the car and the defendant was cautioned in the usual manner.
He told the garda that his insurance company had cancelled his policy after just one payment. He said they had phoned him and said there was something he hadn’t disclosed in his application form and, therefore, cancelled his policy.
The defendant explained that he was waiting to get a refund from the insurance company before he sought out a new insurance policy. No insurance was produced upon lawful request.
Judge Geraldine Carthy asked: “Was all this said on the scene? So, he doesn’t require an interpreter?”
It was noted that Mr Bordianu had requested an interpreter for court on the day.
The court heard that he had two previous convictions, the last being from Naas District Court in 2012 for having no insurance.
Solicitor Alex Rafter, representing the defendant, said in mitigation: “He is a Moldovan national who transferred across to Romania. He is 30 years of age and has been in Ireland since 2002.
“He has dependent children and is in employment … he puts his hands up,” added Mr Rafter.
Judge Carthy said: “My hands are tied, unfortunately. He knew fully well at the time of driving that he had no licence.”
She fined Mr Bordianu €300, to be paid within 90 days, and disqualified him from driving for four years.
