A Portadown man who moved his brother’s car because he believed it was under attack from “sectarian elements” has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Court heard that this was the fifth time the 28-year-old had been caught driving without insurance.
Andrew Lucas, of Churchill Park, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on January 7, at around 4pm, police spotted a black Volkswagen Golf on the Gilford Road, Portadown.
Checks showed the car did not have an active insurance policy.
Upon speaking to the defendant, it was established that he was a disqualified driver.
Lucas made no reply to caution and during interview made full admissions.
Defence solicitor Harry McCourt stated: “There circumstances were this was the defendant’s brother’s vehicle which had been attacked due to in his words sectarian elements in the area.
“The defendant had taken himself to move it from the area, I have told him there were other ways of moving it”.
It was heard Lucas had four previous conviction for no insurance on his record.
Mr McCourt said: “He has recently found full-time employment for the first time; he is hoping to save for a mortgage on a home his mother owned.
“He was fully cooperative with police and is trying to make something of his life”.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “These are serious charges, driving without insurance is very serious and you do it all the time judging by your record.
“How would you feel if a disqualified driver with no insurance seriously injured one of your children, do other people’s children not matter, only yours”.
Lucas was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years.
