A CASTLETOWNBERE man who wrote off his car while learning to drive appeared in court charged with driving without insurance.

Corey O’Shea Harrington of 6, Tallon Heights, Castletownbere pleaded guilty at Bantry District Court.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told Judge Joanne Carroll that a third party reported seeing the unoccupied and unattended vehicle at Barrees in Ardgroom on November 20th 2024.

Gda Murray interviewed the accused and he admitted driving the vehicle he had purchased only seven days earlier.

Solicitor Flor Murphy said his client, who has no previous convictions, had already paid a price for driving without insurance because his car was a write-off after the incident.

He said his client’s mother had taken him to an off-road area where he was supposed to practise, but he made the foolish decision of taking it out for a spin.

Mr Murphy produced a letter from his client’s employer confirming he was starting a full-time job on Monday.

Mr Murphy said his client has a full driver’s licence​, and is on the company’s insurance, but points on his licence could jeopardise that.

‘He now understands he needs his licence for work and has to protect it,’ Judge Joanne Carroll said, striking out the charge.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Service.