A learner driver has been given a lesson on getting behind the wheel without a qualifier driver.
The 26-year-old was put off the road for six months and fined €750 after being caught driving unaccompanied – TWICE on the same day.
Ademolu Ogunnaike appeared before Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal.
He was charged with being the holder of a learner permit which required him to be accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified person.
Ogunnaike was initially stopped by Gardai on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny on September 13th, 2020.
When Gardai realised he was only a learner, they impounded Ogunnaike’s car and brought it Letterkenny Garda station.
However, just a short time after having his car released, he was stopped again by Gardai at Cullion Road in Letterkenny.
Judge Deirdre Gearty asked “How did he get the car back?#8217;
Garda Sergeant Sean McDaid told the court that he went to the Garda station, recovered his car but then went back on the road unaccompanied as a learner driver.
The court heard that Ogunnaike of Northland Road in Derry, had a number of previous convictions for speeding, possession of drugs and driving with no insurance.
Judge Gearty fined Ogunnaike €250 for the first offence.
However, she doubled that fine for the second offence and banned Ogunnaike from driving for six months.