Custodial sentence and disqualification imposed on man who drove at speed while disqualified in Newbridge, County Kildare

A custodial sentence and a driving disqualification have been imposed on a man who drove at speed in Newbridge while he was disqualified from driving.

The case involving Cosmin Busuioc, with an address listed as 1 Barrettstown Lawns in Newbridge, was convicted by Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, September 19 last when he appeared before the judge at Naas District Court.

Gardaí told Judge Zaidan that on September 25, 2022, the 36-year-old was spotted speeding at 106 kilometres per hour (kph) in a 50kph zone in the Littleconnell region of Newbridge (he also drove without insurance during this incident).

It was heard that Mr Busuioc was disqualified from driving at the time, and that he has two previous convictions: one for a drink-driving offence, and one for driving with no insurance.

Commenting on the offence, defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the judge: "It speaks for itself."

He further said that his client is 'a hard-working member of society', and on the date in question, he was unable to get a lift for work, so he took another person's car and got caught later by gardaí.

"While I have explained to him that it shouldn't happen, and you shouldn't break a court order, I would ask you not to impose a custodial sentence." Mr Kennelly said: "He wishes to apologise unreservedly for what happened."

He added: "I would put it down to a mistake."

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In addition, Mr Kennelly said about his client: "He has always worked and has always paid his taxes."

After consideration, Judge Zaidan remarked that the aggravating features outweighed the mitigating factors.

He imposed a four-month custodial sentence on Mr Busuioc for the speeding offence, as well as a two-year driving ban.

The judge also imposed a further four-month sentence for the no insurance offence.

At the end of the court date, Mr Busuioc lodged his appeal application.