A NEW father who has 78 convictions, including convictions for hit-and-runs while driving, is in serious danger of going to jail, a Judge warned.
Jordan McCarthy (22) of 31 Lisheen Park, Patrickswell, was previously convicted in Newcastle West District Court of having no car insurance.
Judge Carol Ann Coolican heard evidence at the previous hearing from Garda Sean Kennedy who said that he spotted Mr McCarthy driving a Renault Megane on Main Street, Patrickswell, on April 24, 2021.
Garda Kennedy told the court he was not in a position to stop the accused at the time but said that he met him on foot the following day and demanded he produce his driver’s licence and insurance.
Mr McCarthy denied ever having spoken to Garda Kennedy or being asked to produce the documents.
Judge Coolican convicted him and remanded him back to Tuesday of this week.
When the matter was called in court, his solicitor, Andrew D’Arcy, said Mr McCarthy is about to start a year-long training course and has become father to a baby girl – now aged two and a half months.
He said his client suffered from a drink problem, but has not been drinking for 18 months.
Remarking on his record, which includes convictions for drink driving, no insurance, and hit and runs, Judge Coolican said Mr McCarthy “has an appalling record”.
“He is at serious risk of going to jail,” the Judge said.
She further adjourned the matter until May 2 for a probation report.
