Suspended sentence at Limerick court for driver with no insurance
A JUDGE said she was giving a man a chance by imposing a suspended jail sentence for driving without insurance.
Wellington Mubango, aged 40, who has an address at The Dark Horse flats, Patrickswell pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at Faha View, Ballyanrahan, Patrickswell on April 15, 2022.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson said gardai were on mobile patrol when they stopped a white Seat being driven by the defendant.
“He has 33 previous convictions. In September, 2020, he was disqualified from driving for six years for no insurance,” said Insp Thompson.
Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Mr Mubango, said what led to his client driving was that his wife was very sick and he was going to the shop to get some items for her.
Judge Deirdre Gearty commented the defendant has done it (driving without insurance) “again, again and again” to which Mr Mubango replied: “It is stupid”.
Judge Gearty then said: “It is stupid from your point of view, it is criminal from mine.”
Newcastle West Court heard Mr Mubango is a self-employed car washer and has young children.
Judge Gearty imposed a four month jail sentence which she suspended for two years.
“If you are caught driving it will come back before me and I will trigger it. I really am giving you a chance,” said Judge Gearty, who also disqualified Mr Mubango from driving for six years.