A barrister for a woman who was caught driving while disqualified told Enniskillen Magistrates Court last Monday, April, 24, that his client was unaware she was disqualified.

On September 29, 2022, at around 9.30am police observed a Vauxhall Astra at Main Street, Derrylin with an L plate displayed, the court heard.

They stopped the car and requested a driving licence and insurance from the driver, Mandy Claire Donohoe (47), of Silverstream, Derrylin.

Checks showed Donohoe was disqualified from driving following a conviction at Newtownards Magistrates Court on August 24, 2022, while a check with the insurance company showed she was not a named driver on the car’s insurance policy at the time.

Her barrister, Steffan Rafferty, told the court Donohoe was unaware of the disqualification from Newtownards Magistrates Court.

He explained she had been going through a difficult time from 2018 and had moved address a number of times, and had not received the correspondence about this matter.

Mr. Rafferty said: “She was driving at this time completely unaware of the disqualification.”

He said she had dealt with it candidly and was very regretful to be in this situation.

“The offence she came before the court on is not something she takes lightly,” Mr. Rafferty said.

He added that Donohoe was capable of adhering to court orders, but at this time did not know one existed.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay told Donohoe that driving while disqualified is a serious matter, and is sometimes met with a prison sentence.

He said at first blush it looked like Donohoe just ignored the rules of the road, but he was persuaded there was an unusual pattern to the offences in regard to the Newtownards matter.

For driving while disqualified and having no insurance, Donohoe was given a 12-month probation order, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.