Young man jailed for repeatedly driving without insurance

Balgo, from 29, Maighglas, Carrick on Shannon, has a criminal history that includes driving five different cars without insurance between December 2021 and January 2025, involving five different vehicles. The offenses, which spanned four years, were detected by a range of Gardaí officers, including Garda McHale, Garda Butler, Garda Farrell, Garda Finnegan, and most recently Garda Burke. The final charge came in January 2025, when Garda Burke caught Balgo driving without insurance once again.

Despite multiple warnings, rehabilitation attempts, and opportunities for reform, Balgo continued to ignore the rules of the road. Solicitor MacSharry acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but pleaded for a suspended sentence, citing Balgo’s cooperation with probation officers and his participation in rehabilitation programs. However, Judge Murphy expressed concern over the defendant's failure to change his behavior.

"This is a man who has been given numerous chances to amend his actions," Judge Murphy remarked. "The penny just hasn’t dropped."

After careful deliberation, Judge Murphy concluded that imprisonment was the only appropriate response to Balgo's persistent violations. She imposed four months in prison for the offense involving Garda Burke and driving without insurance, alongside a four-year driving disqualification. Balgo was also sentenced to eighty hours of community service for another offense involving Garda Finnegan. He also faced fines related to drug possession and drug driving as part of his sentence.

Judge Murphy highlighted that while the probation officer had recommended rehabilitation, Balgo’s repeated offenses could no longer be ignored. "He was warned. He has no regard for the rules of the road. Despite opportunities for reform, his continuous disregard for the law is a serious concern," she stated, emphasizing the court's responsibility to maintain road safety.

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