SETU student avoids ban
Carlow Court House. Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A SETU student who was driving without insurance because his brother let the policy lapse without telling him has avoided a disqualification.
Boniface Bulambo Milinganyo, 43 Carraig Brook, Tullow Road, Carlow pleaded guilty to a charge of no insurance at Burrin Manor, Carlow on 21 June 2025.
Carlow District Court heard that Garda Phelan stopped a vehicle after his mobility device flagged it as having no active insurance.
The court heard that Mr Bulambo Milinganyo (22) had no previous convictions.
Solicitor Tertius Van Eeden said that his client paid the fixed charge notice, adding that the car is a shared family vehicle and his brother had let the insurance expire but hadn’t told him at the time.
In mitigation, Mr Van Eeden said that the defendant, who was born in the Congo, “has never been in trouble” and needs to drive because he is a fourth year student at SETU, while also helping out his family. He has elderly parents and is the only family member helping them out.
Judge Elizabeth Healy noted the circumstances and then fined Mr Bulambo Milinganyo €400.
