Driver banned on tot up system after taking his partner’s car

Sean Owens (38), Carrickvale Avenue, was fined £250 and given eight points for driving without insurance on June 11 this year.

By accumulation of points over the limit of 12 he was banned from driving for six months.

He was also fined £100 for taking a car without the consent of the owner and £75 for not having a driving licence.

The court heard he was stopped at Brownlow Terrace in Lurgan at 10.25am. Police checked and found that a Miss Hagan was the registered owner and was the only named driver on the insurance.

Owens said the car belonged to his partner and he had taken it to go and see his father. She confirmed she had not given him permission to take the car.

Defence said the defendant’s partner usually drove to work but that day she felt sick and took a taxi.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said Owens had two no insurance offences in a short time which was concerning.