Driver (30) accused of forging car insurance

Eimear Cotter

A DUBLIN man handed a forged letter from an insurance company to a garda in court after he was stopped for driving without insurance, it has been alleged.

Stephen Manning (30) was alleged to have forged the letter on his home computer, stating that he had transferred his insurance from one car to another.

When gardai checked out the letter and his insurance policy, it was discovered that the document was false, a court was told.

A judge adjourned the matter for three weeks so Manning could speak to his solicitor.

The defendant, of Woodstown Drive, Ballycullen, Knocklyon, appeared before Tallaght District Court accused of driving without insurance at St Colmcille's Way, Knocklyon on April 26 last.

It was also alleged that he had a false document at Tallaght District Court on October 15 last.

The court heard the DPP has directed summary disposal of the matters in the District Court.

Summons

Garda Sergeant Bernard Jones alleged Manning was stopped by gardai in April and a demand was made for him to produce his driving licence and insurance to a garda station, but he failed to produce his insurance.

Sergeant Jones said the insurance matter came before Tallaght court, by way of a summons, on October 15 last.

The sergeant claimed Manning handed a letter to gardai which purported to be from Quinn Direct, stating he had transferred his insurance from one car to another.

Sergeant Jones alleged this document was a fraudulent document and was produced by Manning on his computer.

Defence solicitor Eddie O'Connor said he had received all statements in relation to the allegation, and wanted some time to go through them with Manning.

Mr O'Connor was also assigned on legal aid, after the court heard Manning is unemployed because he lost his job due to this matter.

Judge McDonnell adjourned the case to a date in February.

hnews@herald.ie