Court bans Leitrim pensioner from driving for two years over insurance fail

A 69-year-old man from Ballinamore has been convicted of speeding and failing to produce valid insurance following a roadside stop in Boyle last year.

Peter Heaney, with an address at Commons, Fenagh, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on June 29, 2025.

The court heard that on June 19, 2024, at approximately 6:58 p.m., Gardaí conducting a speed check on the N4 at Doon, Boyle, detected a silver Toyota Corolla travelling at 129 kilometres per hour in a 100km/h zone. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver identified himself as Peter Heaney.

A fixed charge penalty notice was issued for speeding, and Heaney was instructed to produce proof of insurance at a Garda station of his choosing. However, Gardaí told the court that he failed to provide the required documentation within the specified timeframe.

Heaney did not offer any defence to the charges during the hearing. The court was informed that he had no previous convictions.

Judge Connellan convicted Heaney on the charge of having no insurance and imposed a two-year driving disqualification. He was also fined €500, with six months to pay.

On the separate charge of failing to produce insurance, the court noted the offence but chose to take no further action.

“This was a straightforward case,” Judge Connellan said. “Speeding alone is serious, but the failure to show insurance is where this becomes a bigger issue.”

The court fixed recognisance at €250 in the event of an appeal.

The matter concluded with no Garda objection and no mitigating circumstances submitted on behalf of the defendant.

READ MORE Epic visual artist lights up Lough key