A motorist who was disqualified from driving after accumulating 12 penalty points for various offences was caught driving during his disqualification period, a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court has heard.

Garda court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told the court that Ouafi Walid, aged 32, of Copper Point, Schull, Co. Cork, was the driver of a car stopped on the R587 near Dunmanway, Co Cork, at 9.20am on April 27.

When the vehicle was checked it was found to have no valid tax or NCT. Walid was also disqualified from driving for accumulating 12 penalty points. 

The court heard that although Walid had continued paying his motor insurance premiums, the insurance was not valid because Walid had been disqualified from driving for six months.

The court was told that Walid had no previous convictions and there were 84 days still outstanding on his disqualification period when he was stopped.

Conrad Murphy, defending, said Walid had a letter from his employer, a construction firm, outlining that he was a valued and reliable employee. The court was told that Walid supported his child and partner and apologised to the court.

Mr Murphy said Walid had driven the car “out of desperation” on the day as he had been under pressure to get to work and was also dealing with a sick child at home. 

The court was told that public transport was not a realistic option for him and he understood the seriousness of the situation he now finds himself in.

Judge Andrew Cody said he would exercise his discretion as it was a first offence and would not disqualify Walid from driving as long as he reinstates his insurance. He adjourned the matter to July 21 for finalisation.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.

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