Tradesman gave false name at M1 checkpoint

The prosecuting garda told Judge Marie Quirke he was operating a checkpoint on the M1 in north Dublin when he stopped the accused. (stock photo)

Andrew Phelan

A tradesman who gave gardai a false name when they caught him driving without insurance has been put off the road for two years. Gavin Dooley (32) was also fined €400 at Dublin District Court.

Dooley, of Drumcatton, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, admitted uninsured driving and unlicensed driving.

The prosecuting garda told Judge Marie Quirke he was operating a checkpoint on the M1 in north Dublin on February 14 when he stopped the accused, who was driving a white Ford Transit van.

Arrested

Dooley gave the garda a wrong name and was arrested and brought to Coolock Garda Station where his true identity was established.

Dooley had lived in Australia for seven years, then returned home a year ago, his barrister said.

He had worked in groundwork and labouring and now had his own business.

The van was his brother's and an employee who should have been driving it was not in work that day, his barrister said.

He had organised open insurance but it did not come in on time.

Dooley had an Australian licence and his Irish one had expired.