Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 14575Driving without insurance · Co. Longford · 2 Nov 2024

Disqualified driver pleads guilty to driving without insurance in Longford, assessed for community service

On 2 November 2024, Luis Bena (31), a man from Longford, was involved in an incident at Market Square, Longford, where he was charged with driving without insurance. Gardaí had been running a checkpoint on the Connaught Road when they saw a driver turn away, and checks found the vehicle had no valid insurance, NCT or tax. Bena was disqualified from driving and had six previous convictions, and he later pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. As reported in February 2025, he will be assessed to see whether he is suitable for community service, with 140 hours to be imposed in lieu of four months' imprisonment if he is.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Luis Bena pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.
  • Checks found the vehicle had no valid insurance, NCT or tax, and it was stopped a short distance away.
Where
The offence took place at Market Square, Longford.
When
The offence is dated 2 November 2024.
Investigation
  • Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint at Connaught Road, Longford, when they observed the driver turn away.
  • Sergeant Enda Daly said the driver was seen turning away from the checkpoint.
Other details
  • Luis Bena is 31 years old and is from Longford.
  • Further checks revealed that the defendant was disqualified from driving.
  • He was handed a four-year driving ban in April 2022.
  • He had six previous convictions.
  • The Longford Leader reported the case on 14 February 2025.
In court
He will be assessed to see whether he is a suitable candidate for community service.
Sentence
If suitable, the judge would impose 140 hours of community service in lieu of four months' imprisonment.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatLuis Bena pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whatChecks found the vehicle had no valid insurance, NCT or tax, and it was stopped a short distance away. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whereThe offence took place at Market Square, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whenThe offence is dated 2 November 2024. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationGardaí were conducting a checkpoint at Connaught Rd, Longford, when they observed the driver turn away. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtHe will be assessed to see whether he is a suitable candidate for community service. (longfordleader.ie)
  • sentenceIf suitable, the judge would impose 140 hours in lieu of four months' imprisonment. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherFurther checks revealed the defendant was disqualified. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherHe had six previous convictions. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherHe was handed a four-year driving ban in April 2022. (longfordleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Feb2025
    In courtlongfordleader.ie, first report
    Longford man who was disqualified from driving turned away from Garda checkpoint

    Reports that Luis Bena pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, that he was disqualified, and that the judge would consider 140 hours' community service if he is suitable. No earlier report of this case appears in the existing list.

    accused, Luis Bena, 31, namedLuis Bena