Leitrim driver fined for no Insurance and no licence after colliding with An Post van

An uninsured driver struck an An Post van in Mohill, the recent sitting of Carrick-on-Shannon District Court heard.

Oliver McManus, 48, of Annaghmore, Mohill, Co. Leitrim pleaded guilty to no insurance, following an incident in Mohill on Friday, 7 July 2023. The court heard that McManus, while driving an Isuzu tipper truck without proper documentation, reversed into an An Post van parked on Glebe Street, Mohill.

The van was reported damaged by its owner at Mohill Garda Station. Garda McGarry reviewed CCTV footage and identified McManus as the driver responsible for the accident. When questioned, McManus failed to produce a valid driving licence or insurance policy for the truck. While he had insurance for his private vehicle, it did not cover the truck. He said he did not realise he struck the An Post van.

McManus' legal representative explained that his client’s private vehicle had been blocked in, leading him to use the tipper truck, which belonged to a friend. The keys were in the ignition, and he moved the truck to free his car. He did not realise he had struck another vehicle.

The court heard McManus voluntarily paid €3,400 in full compensation for the damage. Given his stage 2 diabetes and hospital appointments, his defence sought leniency. The hit-and-run charge was withdrawn. Judge Sandra Murphy accepted McManus was unaware of the collision at the time, and said she noted he had no previous convictions.

Judge Murphy ruled that McManus be convicted of driving without insurance and fined €250, with six months to pay. He was also convicted of driving without a licence and fined €150, also with six months to pay.

"I convict and fine €250 given six months to pay, noting his employment and diabetic health circumstances. I’m not disqualifying him in light of the situation," Judge Murphy stated.

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