A District Court judge has criticised the fact that under current laws he was prevented from jailing a driver with 11 previous convictions for driving without insurance for no more than six months.
Judge Anthony Halpin was dealing with the case of Gary Miller (23) in Tallaght Court. Miller has 101 previous convictions, of which 84 are for road traffic offences.
"I think the State's provision for sentencing in no insurance is not enough," Judge Halpin said.
"If he had five previous convictions for no insurance, I think he should be sentenced to 12 months in jail. I can only give him six months. He has an appalling record. It shows his disregard for the road traffic legislation and then the judges come in for fierce criticism when they hand out lenient sentences."
Miller, St Dominic's Court, Tallaght, admitted to having no insurance and no licence at Avonbeg Road in Tallaght on November 30th last.
Garda Dylan Brady said he stopped Miller who later failed to produce his licence and insurance. Miller was disqualified and had 101 previous convictions.
Judge Halpin sentenced Miller to six months in jail but suspended it and imposing a two- year driving ban.