Kilkenny man given jail sentence for fifth no insurance conviction

A man with ‘a history of offending behaviour’ has been given a four month prison sentence for driving without insurance.

Edward O’Reilly, 2 St Mary’s Crescent, Hebron Halting Site, pleaded guilty to two charges - failing to remain at the scene of an accident and driving without insurance.

Garda Mark Glynn said on August 9, 2022, a motorist was in their car, waiting to pull into a space in a car park at John’s Green when Mr O’Reilly reversed into her vehicle. He left the scene.
Mr O’Reilly was identified using CCTV.

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There were 35 previous convictions recorded against the defendant. This was his fifth no insurance charge.

Solicitor Chris Hogan said his client asked him to apologise on his behalf. Mr O’Reilly appreciated he was at serious risk and the solicitor appealed for the matter not to be finalised on the day so he could attend his daughter’s confirmation.
Mr Hogan said his client had no excuse. He had driven the 3kms from his home to collect his social welfare.

Describing the incident as a ‘fender bender’ Mr Hogan said there was some damage but it was not significant.

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Judge Geraldine Carthy observed that Mr O’Reilly’s “history of offending for road traffic matters is quite stark.”
For driving without insurance he was sentenced to four months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for eight years. Failing to remain at the scene was taken into consideration.
Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.