Saturday 31 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. 21253Driving without insurance · Co. Carlow · 15 Jul 2022

Man fined €1,250 for driving without insurance after Ballyellen crash

On 15 July 2022, a black BMW was found crashed against a ditch at Ballyellen, Carlow, unattended, and gardaí found the driver, Paul Hatton, in a field. Hatton was arrested and taken to Carlow Garda Station, where an evidenzer test showed 42mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath. He pleaded guilty and was convicted at Kilkenny District Court, as reported on 5 May 2023, of driving without insurance and unauthorised taking of a vehicle. The judge did not disqualify him from driving and fined him €1,250, which is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced4 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A black BMW was found crashed against a ditch at Ballyellen, Carlow, unattended.
Where
Gardaí were called to a traffic accident at Ballyellen, Carlow.
When
The incident took place on 15 July 2022.
Investigation
  • The driver was found in a field after gardaí were told he had gone into one.
  • Paul Hatton was arrested and taken to Carlow Garda Station.
  • An evidenzer test showed 42mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath.
Charges
  • Hatton admitted in interview to taking the vehicle without consent and not being insured to drive.
  • Hatton pleaded guilty to the charges arising from the incident.
  • A second charge was taken into consideration.
In court
  • The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court and reported on 5 May 2023.
  • The solicitor asked the court not to disqualify Hatton from driving.
Sentence
  • Hatton was convicted of driving without insurance and unauthorised taking of a vehicle.
  • The judge did not disqualify Hatton from driving but imposed a fine of €1,250 for driving without insurance.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA black BMW was found crashed against a ditch, unattended. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whereGardaí were called to a traffic accident at Ballyellen, Carlow. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on July 15, 2022. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • investigationThe driver was found in a field after gardaí were told he had gone into one. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • investigationHatton was arrested and taken to Carlow Garda Station. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • investigationAn evidenzer test showed 42mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeHatton admitted in interview to taking the vehicle without consent and not being insured to drive. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeHatton pleaded guilty to the charges arising from the incident. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeThe second charge was taken into consideration. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor asked the court not to disqualify Hatton from driving. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge did not disqualify Hatton but imposed a larger fine. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceHatton was convicted and fined €1,250 for driving without insurance. (kilkennypeople.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 May2023
    Sentencedkilkennypeople.ie, first report
    Uninsured driver who crashed into ditch fined €1,250 at Kilkenny District Court

    Court outcome: Hatton pleaded guilty, was convicted and fined €1,250, and was not disqualified from driving.

    convicted, Paul Hatton, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul Hatton