A DRIVER who lost a leg in a car crash several years ago has been banned from driving for 15 years and handed a four month jail sentence.
Garry Curran (36) of Hillside, Finea, Westmeath pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.
The District Court in Newcastle West heard that he had eight previous convictions for driving without insurance and other offences under the Road Traffic Act.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican was told that he was disqualified at the time he was stopped by Gardaí at Gortroe in Newcastle West, the event which resulted in the charge before the court.
Mr Curran’s solicitor told the court his client “fully accepts he was wrong to drive with no insurance and to give a false name to the Garda.”
The solicitor said that Mr Curran had “an appalling driving record, but he has had difficulties”.
“The root cause came from a very serious road traffic accident in 2016 in which he lost his leg. He has since also had to have a hip replacement.”
The court heard that Mr Curran had since “turned over a new leaf”, is not driving, and has started a job with a fabrication company.
The Judge imposed the ban and fines totalling €1,300 but suspended the four month prison sentence, provided Mr Curran stays out of trouble for two years.
