Kilkenny father sentenced to five months in prison

A five-month prison sentence was handed down to a father-of-nine who was convicted of driving without insurance and a valid driving licence at Kilkenny District Court.

William Carthy, House 1, St Catherine’s, Wetlands, Kilkenny admitted the offences under the Road Traffic Act which took place at St Luke’s Hospital on the Freshford Road on March 23, 2026.

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On the date in question gardaí were on mobile patrol and were carrying out a routine check when they detected that the defendant, who was driving a vehicle without a valid driving licence and insurance.

Sergeant Morgan O’Connor outlined to the court that the defendant has 17 previous convictions, including two previous convictions for  driving without valid insurance.

Solicitor Chris Hogan said that his client is remorseful for his actions and ‘absolutely accepts that he should not have been driving’ on the date in question and added that ‘there is no excuse’ for his client’s actions.

Mr Hogan also outlined his client’s personal circumstances.

"He is the father of nine children, some of whom have complex medical conditions.

"On the day in question he was bringing a family member to hospital to visit another family member in hospital.”

The court also heard that the defendant was ‘ostracised from family for a period of time and was under pressure’ at the time of the offences.

"My client  was previously homeless but is now living back in the Wetlands,” added Mr Hogan. 

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted the defendant under sections 38 and 56 of the Road Traffic Act and sentenced Mr Carthy to five months in prison. The judge also disqualified the defendant from driving for eight years.