A man, whose solicitor admitted had a “chequered history” when it came to road traffic offences, told a Judge that he had turned his life around, no longer drank or took drugs, and didn’t associate with those he had during his past. He pleaded to have his licence restored so he could continue working in construction.
However, Garda Sgt Christy Brown said the Gardaí were objecting to the early restoration of the licence on account of the man’s previous convictions.
The plea was made before Judge James Faughnan at Tuam District Court on behalf of Shane Brady, Glass Avenue, Dublin Road, Tuam who was put off the road for four years in March 2023.
Eric Gleeson solicitor (defending ) said Brady had a “chequered history” but he was working full-time and had six children to support. He left Tuam at 5.50am each morning to get a lift to work.
Brady gave evidence from the witness box that he had reformed his life and needed his licence because he was starting a new construction job in Headford and had no way of getting there without a car.
However, Sgt Brown argued that the last time Brady was before Galway Circuit Court he faced a large number of driving charges, including two for driving without insurance and one for drunk driving, and had been put off the road for four years as a result. He got Brady to acknowledge he had also been put off the road for six years in 2010 for driving without insurance.
Judge Faughnan said he understood the Garda concern but added that “people do change” and Brady had given evidence on oath that he had reformed.
He said he would restore the licence but warned him that if he even parked on a double yellow line in the next two years he would lose it again for two years.
He asked Brady how he planned to manage with insurance with his record, and Brady told him he had an estimate of about €5,000 if he could show he had his licence restored.
“You know the Guards will be watching you now,” the Judge warned in conclusion.
