Caught out a few days after his car insurance expired

Darren McCabe (41), whose address was given as Gilpins Manor, Lurgan, was fined £200 last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court for driving without insurance on October 2 this year.

He was also given six penalty points and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that at 12.30pm police spoke to the defendant at Gilpins Manor and told him that checks on the system showed there was no insurance in place.

McCabe believed he was insured but his policy had expired on September 29.

A solicitor representing the defendant said he had purchased the vehicle in the middle of September.

He explained that he wanted a six month insurance period but his company would not offer that and he found it difficult to get a six month policy.

The solicitor said McCabe had been driving for 24 years with no previous convictions.

He added that the car had been crushed and his client was already £400 out of pocket.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said he accepted that only a few days before the defendant was insured but he ought to have been more careful.