Pensioner in Naas Court with charges of fraud linked to car tax

A 71- year- old man appeared at Naas District Court this morning facing charges of theft and fraud, in relation to Naas Motor Tax Office.

The Co Kildare pensioner, who appeared in court and declined Judge Desmond's advice to get a solicitor to represent him.

Garda evidence was given that on 19 June , 2016, the accused received five charges, relating to a number of years, including 2013 and 2014.

The court heard how the accused changed his tax disc in 2013, significantly reducing the engine size of his car.

Evidence was given that the accused was driving a 2.2 engine that would have cost about €950 in tax, but said he was driving a much smaller 1.5 engine, cutting the cost of motor tax in half.

The Garda outlined how the €340 owed was voluntarily repaid in full by the pensioner.

In court the accused, who is married with adult children,  said: "I made a mistake."

He pleaded guilty to all of the offences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: " The court accepts that you have pleaded guilty. He has paid back in full."

The accused was given the probation act.