Palestinian man who suffered ‘loss’ in Gaza clutches rosary beads in court

A SOCIAL worker who has “endured significant loss in Gaza” has been convicted for driving without insurance and National Car Test (NCT) in Limerick. 

Waleed Maza, 30, with an address at Fair Ways Flats, Limerick, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and NCT at Limerick District Court. 

The man clutched rosary beads in the colours of the Palestinian flag whilst he was sitting before the judge. 

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill outlined that the man was stopped when driving at Henry Street in the city centre, August 1, 2025. 

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Solicitor Darach McCarthy, defending the man, said that the incident was an “oversight” and that Mr Maza regrets his actions. He also stated that the man has endured loss in Gaza and that his mind may have been elsewhere. 

In mitigation, the solicitor said that Mr Maza has since transferred his insurance to the correct car. Mr McCarthy further stated that Mr Maza is in full-time employment as a social worker and is originally from Gaza. 

Judge Patricia Harney stated: “you’re not entitled to drive with no insurance”, but conceded that the man is “entitled to his previous good record”.  

The judge convicted and fined the man a total of €850 for the driving offences. 

-Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme