A man who was caught riding a 600cc motorcycle on the M1 near Lurgan whilst only holding a provisional licence has been disqualified for 12 months.
Court heard the 31-year-old had also failed to inform his insurance company that he was not the holder of a full licence and that he had six live penalty points.
Mantas Gutautas, of Dungannon Road in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, pleaded guilty to no driving licence and using a vehicle without insurance at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on February 22, at 5.10pm, police observed the defendant riding a 600cc Honda motorcycle on the M1 in the vicinity of junction 11.
When stopped it was established that Gutautas was the holder of a provisional licence which did not allow him to ride a motorcycle with an engine of this size.
Checks revealed the defendant had also not informed his insurance company that he had six live penalty points and that he held only a provisional licence.
His policy was subsequently cancelled by the company.
Speaking at court Gutautas, who represented himself, said: “I have small children. I can’t lose my licence as I need it for work.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “You have to lose your licence. You keep breaking the motoring laws in this country.”
The defendant was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £850, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
District Judge Kelly also made a destruction order for the motorcycle.
