Courts / Dublin / Report

Uninsured driver who believed he was covered escapes ban

Date
2026-01-16

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Saggart

County
Dublin

Summary

An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court. Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025. Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station. Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question. Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Uninsured driver who believed he was covered escapes ban. Charges or matters: driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When: