Termon man with no insurance told gardaí he was ‘travelling not driving’

A TERMON man who told gardaí he did not need insurance as he was “traveling not driving” has been fined.

Letterkenny District Court this week heard how gardaí were operating a multi agency checkpoint on April 8, 2025 at Knocknabollan, Termon, Kilmacrennan, when they stopped Hugh Kelly.

In his evidence, Garda Vincent Muldoon told the court that when stopped by gardaí, Kelly (44), of Drumoghill, Termon, did not have tax or insurance.

Kelly told gardaí: “I am not driving, I am travelling.”

A Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) was issued for non display of tax, which was paid.

Kelly has no previous convictions for road traffic offences, the court was told.

Garda Muldoon said: “He was of the opinion that he does not need insurance on a public road – he was going by maritime law.”

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client was “just beside his local farm” when he was detected by gardaí.

“He comes from a rural area, and he left school early. This is his first time in court in 25 years.”

Judge Monika Leech enquired if Kelly was present in court for sentencing, and was told he wasn’t.

Responding, Judge Leech said: “This is not the policy this court operates on. Justice needs to be administered in public.

“I am not going to disqualify him, but he does need to be to be present.

“I plan to convict and fine €450, with three months to pay. I will not disqualify him on this occasion as it will interfere with his livelihood. I am giving him one opportunity.”

Judge Leech also pointed out that it would be “a huge waste of resources” for gardaí to carry out a bench warrant.