Portarlington driver with string of convictions gets 8-year driving ban

A jail sentence was handed down to an uninsured driver who was pulled over after he overtook a learner driver at speed in Laois.  

Sebastian Stoica (31) of 9 Droughhill Lawns, Portarlington, on the Kildare border appeared before Portlaoise District Court for not having insurance, tax or a valid NCT on the R419 at Portlaoise on October 5, 2024.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said attention was drawn to the driver when he “overtook a learner driver at speed” on the date in question. 

He said the motorist was stopped and there was no NCT on the vehicle he was driving. The motor tax had also expired. A lawful demand was made for licence and insurance but they were never produced, said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had 26 previous convictions. 

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Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was a Romanian national who accepts he shouldn’t have been driving without a licence or insurance. He said the man was no longer driving. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the defendant had been convicted of a motoring offence nine days before he was stopped and said he got his chance.

“He couldn’t stay away from the wheel for nine days,” he said. 

Judge Cody imposed a four month prison sentence, disqualified the man from driving for eight years and fined him €250. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal and the man appealed the case before the sitting of Portlaoise District Court had ended.