15-year driving disqualification imposed on man in Kildare court
120 CONVICTIONS
A man who appeared in Naas District Court on Thursday, February 2, had a 15-year driving disqualification imposed on him.
James Harty, with an address given as 10 Drinnanstown Court, Newbridge, pleaded guilty to driving with no licence or insurance at Francis Lane in Newbridge on December 19 last.
It was heard that he was banned from driving at the time.
Gardaí told Judge Michéle Finan that the 47-year-old has 120 previous convictions, twelve of which were for driving with no insurance.
It was also heard that Mr Harty had previously served a three-and-a-half year custodial sentence.
The judge was told by defending solicitor Tim Kennelly that his client has a new baby due at the end of the month, and added that being in prison was 'a harrowing experience' for his client.
"He said that this offence was a genuine anomaly, and I believe him," Mr Kennelly said.
JUDGE'S COMMENTS
However, Judge Finan said that his client has 'had so many breaks.'
"He (Mr Harty) said that being in prison was the worst experience of his life, and yet you come here telling me all of this?
"It makes no sense," she told Mr Kennelly.
She ordered a probation report for Mr Harty, which is due for September 7, and specified that she 'wanted it to be in-depth.'
The judge also imposed a 15-year disqualification on Mr Harty.