A man with a “substantial record” for motoring offences has been disqualified from driving, warned of jail time and told “you may sell your Mercedes”, by a judge.
Shtelyan Atanasov – with an address in Duke Street, Warrenpoint – appeared before Newry Magistrates’ Court to face charges of driving without insurance and having no ‘L’ plates displayed.
The prosecution explained that on September 13, 2025 the 30-year-old male was discovered by police driving a Mercedes vehicle in the vicinity of Patrick Street in Newry at approximately 3.40pm.
Police spoke with the defendant and found he held only a provisional licence and had no ‘L’ plates fixed to the car.
Checks showed the Mercedes was insured to another male and Atanasov confirmed to them that he didn’t have his own policy.
“He has a substantial record,” said District Judge King. “Six previous court appearances for no insurance and a previous prison sentence.”
On the count of driving with no insurance Judge King issued a five month custodial sentence suspended for two years, a £500 fine and £15 offender levy.
For the count of not having ‘L’ plates displayed Atanasov was issued a £150 fine and disqualified for one month.
On the no insurance charge, Judge King then handed Atanasov a two year driving ban with a stark warning: “As and from today you are disqualified from driving. If you are caught behind the wheel of a car in the next two years you will go to jail for five months… a minimum… do you understand that?”
When he enquired if Atanasov held a driving licence, the defendant indicated he did not.
“So, you don’t have a licence?” continued Judge King. “You are disqualified today from driving. So, you may sell your Mercedes.”
