A DASH to a hospital intensive care unit by a man whose wife was very ill cost him his licence for 10 years.
Antonio Jose Filo (50), of Arra House, Maiden Street, Newcastle West, pleaded guilty before Newcastle West District Court to driving without insurance in February.
His solicitor asked the Garda witness if he accepted that when Mr Filo was stopped that he had explained he was driving to the hospital, where his wife was in the Intensive Care Unit.
The Garda agreed he had been told that by Mr Filo at the time.
Judge Carol Ann Coolican heard that Mr Filo has 13 previous court convictions, five for driving without insurance.
On the night he was stopped for the offence before the court, Mr Filo was under a six-year disqualification for a previous offence.
The court heard had not driven since the night in question.
Judge Coolican imposed a four-month jail sentence on him for driving without insurance, suspending it for two years, provided he does not have any further convictions.
She imposed a 10 year driving ban for the same offence and fined Mr Filo €400 for having no driving licence.
