A young man caught by Gardaí driving around the SuperValu carpark in Tuam was told to return to the local district court with his full licence in a year, and the judge would consider dealing with him leniently.
Before Judge James Faughnan was Adam Devlin, Ouinaltagh, Garrafrauns, Tuam, charged with driving without insurance and a licence on April Fool’s Day, 2025.
The judge asked how he was getting around now and was told that Devlin was either walking or using public transport.
The defendant works 15 hours a week at the N17 Plaza in Tuam, the court was told.
Judge Faughnan said he would adjourn the case for 12 months to give Devlin time to get his full driving licence.
“Your incentive to stay on the road is to get a full licence and come back here with it,” the Judge told him.
A first offence for driving without insurance can carry a two-year driving disqualification and five penalty points, as well as a fine.
Penalties for driving with no licence can be as high as €2,000, with penalty points, a driving ban and the car being seized.
Judge Faughnan indicated that if the defendant returned with a full licence, he may exercise discretion in this matter.
