By Ronan Judge 

A disqualified driver who was caught driving on three occasions without insurance in Roscommon has received a ten-month prison sentence.

Judge James Faughnan told Ballinasloe District Court that, while he had sympathy for the family of Noel Hoare (28) and their efforts to help him, the court had to protect the public.

Defence solicitor Tony McLynn submitted to the court his client was “unable to refrain from driving” due to mental health issues.

Hoare, with an address at Cams, Cloverhill, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to a number of road traffic offences that occurred while he was disqualified from driving.

He pleaded guilty to no insurance and no driver’s license offences at Millford Creggs on August 20, 2025, a no insurance offence at Ardsallagh Woods and no insurance and no driving license offences at Racecourse Road, Roscommon. The court was told Hoare was disqualified from driving on all three occasions he was stopped by gardaí.

Sergeant Christy Browne told the court the accused has nine previous convictions that included driving without insurance.

Defence solicitor, Tony McLynn said his client was coming into court and pleading guilty.

“He knows the writing is on the wall for him”, he added.

Mr McLynn said there was no excuse for his client’s driving but asked the court to take into account his client’s long running mental health problems.

“I would submit that due to mental health issues he is unable to refrain from driving,” he said – adding that his client’ s family had tried everything to help him but are at their “wit’s end”.

Judge Faughnan said he had sympathy for the family, but the court must protect the public. He imposed consecutive sentences of four months, four months and two months. Recognisances were set in the event of an appeal to the circuit court.

Funded by Courts Reporting Scheme