Disqualified driver on ‘mercy mission’

A 47 year old Banbridge man caught driving whilst disqualified has been banned from the roads for a further two years and given a suspended prison sentence.

Gregory Curran from Cline Road, appeared before the local court last Thursday when District Judge Mr Copeland told him he “knew fine well” he shouldn’t have been behind the wheel of the car.

However, Mr Copeland said it appeared Curran had been on some kind of “mercy mission” to assist his elderly mother.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He told Curran, “You are now disqualified for another two years but if you drive again and appear before this court you will go to prison.”

A PPS prosecutor explained how on October 31 last year police were on patrol of Cline Road when a Ford Focus approached. Both officers recognised Curran as a disqualified driver.

The officers spoke to residents in the area and they said that in the days and weeks prior to that date, the car had been constantly driven by Curran.

Police were unable to trace Curran on October 31 and he presented himself to the police station on November 17.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Solicitor Mr Paul Downey said Curran knew he shouldn’t have been driving but his mother had fallen and he had received a phone call from the alarm company.

“He panicked and took the vehicle. He was detected by police who knew him from previous incidents.”

Mr Downey explained that Curran’s brother owns a taxi business in Banbridge and he normally drove to his mother’s aid.

However, his brother was on an airport run, said Mr Downey.

Curran also faced two charges of making false declarations to obtain insurance and having no insurance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition to the two year driving ban, he was sentenced to five months in prison suspended for two years.

He was also fined a total of £200 and ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15.

Mr Copeland added, “If this vehicle is a temptation to you then it shouldn’t be anywhere near your home.”

Related topics: