Used fake licence to reclaim seized car

When he turned up at Lurgan police station to try and recover his car which had been seized a 22-year-old produced a fake driving licence, Craigavon Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday.
Judge's court wig and hammer or gavelJudge's court wig and hammer or gavel
Judge's court wig and hammer or gavel

Patrick Dundon, whose address was given as Longlands Avenue, Newtownabbey, admitted using an instrument, namely a driving licence, which he knew to be false on September 28.

He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that the defendant attended Lurgan police station to get released a vehicle which had been seized for no insurance the night before.

He produced a Republic of Ireland licence but there was no hologram and police believed it was a fake licence.

Dundon was arrested and gave a no comment interview.

A barrister representing the defendant said it was a very crude attempt by his client.

He explained that Dundon had been directed to a website by a friend and 150 euros were exchanged to get this licence.

“He took a chance,” added the lawyer.

District Judge, Mrs Bernie Kelly, said the defendant was working on the theory police couldn’t detect him.

“It is a serious enough matter,” she added saying that given his plea of guilty she was not going to order a pre-sentence report.

Imposing the fine she gave Dundon 20 weeks to pay it.