Suspended sentence imposed on Mullingar man for offence committed in County Kildare

A suspended two-year sentence and a driving disqualification were imposed on a man for not producing valid motor insurance upon request to Kildare gardaí.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday, July 11 last by substitute judge Nicola-Jane Andrews in the case of Artur Tomczak, with an address listed as 13 Ballinderry Orchard, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to committing the offence on November 16 last at the Sallins Bypass.

Judge Andrews was informed by Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan at Naas District Court that Mr Tomczak has five previous convictions for offences related to driving without insurance, two previous convictions for drink-driving offences, and one previous conviction for dangerous driving.

DEFENCE

Defending barrister Donncha Craddock told the judge that his client had been going through a difficult period at the time of the offence.

"This (background) doesn’t excuse his behaviour, but it does give context," Mr Craddock told the judge.

In response, Judge Andrews pointed out Mr Tomczak’s previous convictions for road traffic offences.

Mr Craddock agreed that his client had a 'terrible' history for road traffic offences.

"He acknowledges his mistakes and he wants to apologise," Mr Craddock added.

Mr Craddock further said that his client no longer drives a vehicle.

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VERDICT

The judge ultimately decided to impose a five-year driving disqualification on Mr Tomczak.

She also imposed a six-month custodial sentence, to be suspended for 24 months.

Lastly, the judge placed Mr Tomczak on his own bond of €100.