Driver who almost collided with another vehicle when told to stop by gardaí had a counterfeit licence – Fingal Independent
A driver who almost collided with another vehicle when he was signalled to stop by gardaí was using a counterfeit driving licence at the time, a court has heard.
bench warrant for sentencing was issued for Anastacio De Jesus Viegas (33) after he was convicted in his absence at Balbriggan District Court.
Garda Joseph Aiken said he was on traffic duty on the M1 southbound at Balbriggan shortly after 11pm on July 24 last when he signalled a red Seat Leon to stop.
He said as the car was coming to a stop it almost collided with another vehicle.
The garda spoke to the driver and asked him for his driving licence.
De Jesus Viegas, who gave gardaí an address in Northern Ireland, produced a licence which Garda Aiken said he believed was counterfeit.
When he was questioned about this, the defendant immediately made admissions that the document was fake.
He also signed the garda’s notebook confirming this.
The garda said he asked him where he had obtained the licence and the defendant told him he had purchased it in Portugal.
Garda Aiken said the licence was a very poor imitation. Both the driving licence and the car were seized at the scene.
De Jesus Viegas was arrested at the roadside and conveyed to Balbriggan Garda Station.
The defendant was instructed to produce valid insurance within ten days but failed to do so.
Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted the defendant and issued a bench warrant for sentencing.
