Elderly man who tends to his family's graves given 10-year driving ban

AN ELDERLY man who had his car seized by gardaí has appeared before Limerick District City Court.

Clement Sarsfield, 70, with an address at Elton Court, Meelick, county Clare was found driving without a licence, a NCT, or insurance at the Knockalissheen Road Ballynanty Beg, county Limerick.

Prosecuting Inspector Liam Wallace detailed that Mr Sarsfield’s car was seized by gardaí under the Road Traffic Act.

READ MORE: New plan announces more gardaí on the city streets in Limerick

The court heard that Mr Sarsfield has 14 previous convictions - all of which are for road traffic matters. His previous convictions include two for no insurance, a dangerous driving offence, and two convictions for driving without a licence.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the man, said that “his wife and daughter died within 17 days of each other”, and that “the only thing that kept him going was tending to the graves”.

The solicitor said “everything came on top of him”, following the loss of his wife and daughter. She further detailed that the man now has a bus pass which he will use from now on.

Ms Ryan said that Mr Sarsfield has “medical issues”, and has a doctor’s report outlining details.

Judge Patricia Harney said: “The only question is whether or not he will go to prison”.

Judge Harney disqualified Mr Sarsfield from driving for 10 years for driving without insurance.

She convicted and sentenced the man to eight weeks’ imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months. Mr Sarsfield was also fined €500.

- Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme