Patrick Joyce was helping his cousin to move her car. Photo: Colin O'Riordan

An uninsured driver who was being towed by another vehicle has been banned from the road for four years.

Patrick Joyce (47) was helping his cousin to move her car after it was damaged.

Judge David McHugh fined Joyce €100 as well as disqualifying him from driving.

The defendant, of Grove Lane, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, admitted driving without insurance or a licence when he appeared before Blanchardstown District Court.

The incident happened on the M50 northbound at Clondalkin on October 18 last year.

Gda Rachel Ciprani told the court that she was on vehicle patrol on the M50 when she stopped a 2006-registered car.

Gda Ciprani said the vehicle was being towed by another at the time, and Joyce was steering.

Convictions

She asked Joyce to produce his insurance and driving licence, but he admitted he had no documents.

The court heard that Joyce had 12 previous convictions, including one for uninsured driving that dated back more tan a decade.

Defence solicitor Grainne Whelan said she had checked the legislation, and insurance was required by a person steering a vehicle which was being towed.

Ms Whelan said the vehicle belonged to the defendant's cousin.

The car had been involved in an incident of criminal damage earlier that day and Joyce was helping her to move it.

Judge McHugh said it was an "unusual situation", but he had no choice but to ban Joyce because he had a previous conviction for uninsured driving.