A Tandragee man has been spared a driving ban after moving an uninsured car 200 yards to his home.
The 59-year-old, of Sinton Park, appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ on Tuesday charged with driving without insurance.
The incident occurred September 23, last year, the defendant was stopped by police on Market Street, Tandragee, driving without insurance.
He admitted to having no insurance but did not have his licence with him at the time.
He brought it to Banbridge police station where it was discovered he had six live points on his licence.
Defence counsel told the court that these had been for excess speed which, according to the defendant, was 45mph in a 40 zone and for flat tyres.
Court heard that the 59-year-old had purchased the car for £550 and had parked it at the shops on the main road in Tandragee.
The defence explained he had gone the next day to Hughes Insurance but the shop was closed.
They added that he had attempted to get insurance online but found out he could only start a fresh policy not transfer it from his previous car.
The court heard that he then decided to move the car to his home, “out of harm’s way”, all of 200 yards away.
The defence explained that his licence was crucial as his wife had balance and spatial issues, and so needed to attend physio regularly.
District Judge Paul Copeland gave him six penalty points but mitigated the automatic disqualification.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the £15 offender’s levy.
