Teenager fined after taking uninsured BMW for late-night ‘spin’

Driver did not have a learner permit, L-plates or a qualified accompanying driver, court heard

Court heard defendant had naively decided to 'take the car for a spin' to practise driving. He had no previous convictions and passed drug and alcohol tests. Picture: Dan Linehan

A teenager who took an uninsured BMW for a late-night “spin” after learning his learner permit was on the way has been fined €150. 

Muhammad Mahid, 19, of Max Bites, Main Street, Enniskeane, pleaded guilty at Kinsale District Court sitting in Bandon to driving without insurance.

The court heard gardaí spotted a grey BMW 520 being driven without lights in Enniskeane at 2.20am on February 23. 

They followed the car after it was seen being driven erratically and crossing the centre white line. 

Mahid was identified as the driver when it was stopped. 

The BMW had no valid insurance. Mahid did not have a learner permit, L-plates or a qualified accompanying driver.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said Mahid’s father, who runs a fast-food business in Enniskeane, had returned to Pakistan to deal with family matters. 

Mr Taaffe said Mahid was effectively living in the house alone and had recently received notice his learner permit was on its way. 

He said Mahid had naively decided to “take the car for a spin” to practise driving. He had no previous convictions and passed drug and alcohol tests.

The court heard Mahid had no previous convictions and had since moved to England to live with his mother. 

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted Mahid of driving without insurance and fined him €150, allowing four months to pay.

• This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme