A DISTRICT court judge has warned a Bahrainian national that if he is caught driving again while disqualified he will be jailed.

Judge Joanne Carroll was dealing with the case of Mazen Madhloom (42) at a recent sitting of Bandon District Court.

Mr Madhloom, of Kilkerran, Ballinspittle, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance.

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told the court that at 5.03pm on August 14th at Clancoolmore, Gda Joe Tippins observed the accused using a mobile phone while driving. ‘It transpired that the accused was disqualified from driving since the previous month,’ said Sgt O’Connell.

The court heard he was given a 12-month disqualification for driving under the influence on January 28th 2025, postponed to July 28th, but he was driving just weeks after that date on August 14th.

Defence solicitor Myra Dinneen said he thought the postponement was extended to August 28th but Judge Carroll rejected this. ‘He knew he was disqualified and drove,’ said Judge Carroll.

She sentenced him to three months in prison for driving without a licence, suspended for 18 months. She also convicted and fined him €400 for driving without insurance.

‘If he drives again he will have to be disqualified and his suspended sentence will be activated,’ she warned.