‘How did he believe that?’ Judge censures man over car insurance from his homeland

‘How did he believe that?’ Judge censures man who believed eastern European insurance policy would cover him here

An man who believed his insurance from his home country, in eastern Europe, would cover him to drive in Ireland has escaped a driving ban.

Rami Ali Mosa Alzoabe, with an address at Columb Barracks, Ashe Road, Mullingar, Westmeath pleaded guilty at last week’s Mullingar District Court to no insurance and failing to produce insurance at College Street, Mullingar, on March 2, 2025.

Sgt Orla Keenan said gardaí had stopped a red VW Golf at 8.30pm on that date. The court was told that, despite a demand for the Georgian national’s certificate of insurance, none was provided within the required 10-day period.

In defence, Dimitry Grinberg, BL, asked the court to consider Mr Alzoabe’s lack of any previous convictions, and that the incident was nothing more than a lapse of understanding of the road traffic legislation on his client’s part.

“He believed the insurance he had from Georgia would cover him,” said Mr Grinberg.

Judge Owens said the court was not inclined to take that stance as credible. “How did he believe that?” Judge Owens asked.

Mr Grinberg said his client was making a meaningful contribution to society and, as such, was anxious to avoid a disqualification. “He came from Georgia a year and a half ago and is working part-time in a local barber,” he said. “He does acknowledge that insurance is important in this country.”

Judge Owens subsequently fined Mr Alzoabe €400 for the no insurance summons, giving him six months to pay.

The other failing to produce summons was taken into consideration.