Driver given a heavy fine but a shorter ban so he can keep his job
James Gibbs, Roes Hill, Laurencetown, was fined £800 and banned from driving for four weeks for not having insurance on December 3 last year.
He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.
Fines of £100 were imposed for not having a vehicle test certificate and not having a vehicle excise licence.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe court heard the offences came to light when he was stopped at Newry Street, Banbridge, and he told police he was just collecting some items. A solicitor representing Gibbs said that at Laganside court his client had received six points for a no insurance offence when his policy had lapsed for a couple of days.
He explained that the defendant’s job required significant driving.
He added that if he was disqualified he would lose his job and which would have a grave impact on his family.
The solicitor added that he also took a Down’s Syndrome relative two or three days a week as respite for the parents. He took to activities at the local bowling club and the Special Olympics.
He asked the court to consider a greater financial penalty and to exercise discretion and not disqualify the defendant.