Defendant has done ‘an enormous U-turn’ of his life, according to Kildare court solicitor

A solicitor told a sitting Naas District Court judge that his client 'is now a success story', in contrast to his past accumulation of previous road traffic convictions.

Tim Kennelly made the comments while he was defending one Sean Geoghegan, with an address listed as 9 Glonmore Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, County Dublin on Thursday, July 11 last.

Substitute judge Nicola-Jane Andrews was told by gardaí that on July 18, 2022, the 40-year-old had been stopped in his vehicle by gardaí on the N81 in Blessington, County Wicklow.

It was discovered that Mr Geoghegan had been driving without a driving licence or valid motor insurance.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly defended Mr Geoghegan in the case. File photograph.

Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan told the judge that Mr Geoghegan has a number of previous road traffic convictions, some of which are for offences related to having no insurance.

Sgt Hanrahan also said that Mr Geoghegan had been disqualified from driving for 40 years at the time.

Defending his client, Mr Kennelly said: "He is a success story; he has turned his life around."

He added: "He has set up his own company; he has made an enormous U-turn."

Sgt Hanrahan pointed out to the judge that some convictions were appealed by Mr Geoghegan.

After consideration, Judge Andrews placed Mr Geoghegan on a probation report.

The judge adjourned the case to December 12, in order to allow time for the report to be completed, and also to allow time for Mr Geoghegan to be assessed for his suitability for community service.