A 21-year-old plant haulier who drove a scrambler bike without insurance while visiting his friend’s farm had his charges struck out.

Daniel Joseph O’Sullivan, of Ard Na Gaoithe, Bantry pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to driving without insurance or a driving licence and failing to produce a driving licence.

The court heard that the incident happened while Mr O’Sullivan was visiting his friend’s farm.

On August 15th last  at 8.32pm, gardaí on patrol stopped  him on the R594 near Drimoleague.

They said they found that the motorbike he was riding was not roadworthy and as a result detained it.

He was issued with a fixed penalty notice and was asked to produce his documents within 10 days, which he did not do, the court heard.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said his client set up his own plant hire business, paying €7,000 a year on insurance between his vehicles and machinery.

‘He went to visit a friend of his and they were going to collect sheep out on his field,’ said  Mr Murphy.

Mr O’Sullivan accepted that he went on the public road and did not have insurance, Mr Murphy added.

The court heard that he had no previous convictions.

Gardaí said his licence was valid for a tractor and a car but not for a motorbike.

‘I am fully of aware of scramblers and the tragedy in Dublin but each case has to be judged on its own merits,’ said Judge Joanne Carroll, who struck out all charges.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.