A CHEF who drove without insurance had the car he was driving seized, Clonakilty District Court heard.

Krzysztof Kostow (42), of Castlewood, Little Island, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges of driving without insurance and failing to produce insurance.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that the defendant was stopped driving a BMW on the R601 in Timoleague on June 18th 2025 at 6.37pm.

Mr Kostow failed to produce the relevant documents and the car was subsequently seized, the court heard.

The defendant had 11 previous convictions, including three for driving without insurance.

Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said his client had been in Ireland for 25 years, working as a chef.

He had been driving a company car when he was stopped by Gardaí in Timoleague, the court heard. Mr Murphy said the defendant had a learner driver permit since March 16th 2024.

‘He has had 12 lessons and has applied for the driving test but has not got it as there are charges pending,’ Mr Murphy said. 

Mr Murphy said he had seen a series of texts from Mr Kostow’s employer, dated March 22nd 2024, stating ‘You will be insured on our insurance, so don’t worry’.

The case was adjourned until February 17th 2026.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.