Uninsured driver escapes ban due to being lifeboat crew

A MEMBER of the Achill lifeboat was spared a driving disqualification due to the ‘amazing’ work that the volunteers of his organisation do for the public.
Joe Casey of Askill, Achill, appeared before last week’s sitting of Achill District Court, where he was charged with driving without motor insurance.
Garda Keith Deane told the court he was manning a check-point at Shraheens, Achill, on December 20, 2015 at 12.45am when he stopped Mr Casey. He said he failed to provide insurance and had no previous convictions.
Mr James Ward, solicitor for the defendant said his client was a man of the community and was an assistant mechanic and crew member of the Achill lifeboat. Garda Deane agreed he was heavily involved in the RNLI, and said that if Mr Casey were to lose his licence it would be as big a loss to the people of Achill as it would be to himself.
When asked by Judge Mary Devins why he did not have insurance, Mr Ward said he had been in a long-term relationship that had broke down, and he had forgotten to renew his insurance.
Judge Devins said that she viewed being a member of the lifeboat as being a special and substantial reason to avoid a disqualification, as they ‘do such amazing work at any hour of the day or night’. Mr Casey avoided a disqualification but was fined €250.