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. 14177Motor tax offence · Co. Laois · 31 Jul 2024

MMA fighter disqualified and fined over untaxed car in Laois

Charles Ethan Ward (44) of Mountmellick, described in court as a professional MMA fighter, was charged with not having motor tax on a VW Golf at Clonrehir, Portlaoise, on 31 July 2024, when gardaí found the tax had been out for 278 days. Gardaí alleged the car was being passed between family members to avoid motor tax, while the defence said he had only recently bought it. Ward was disqualified from driving for three months and fined €1,000 at Portlaoise District Court in March 2025, with recognisance given in case of appeal. The tax has since been paid, and the sentencing is the latest development reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced21 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
Charges
Charles Ethan Ward was before Portlaoise District Court for not having motor tax on a VW Golf car.
Where
The car was at Clonrehir, Portlaoise.
When
The offence took place on 31 July 2024.
Cause
Gardaí stopped the car and found the motor tax had been out for 278 days.
Investigation
Garda Stephen O'Hanlon said the car had been passed within the Ward family since January 2023 and alleged it was passed from Billy to Jack to avoid motor tax.
Other details
  • The defence said Ward had become the owner shortly before he was stopped, and Ward told gardaí the car had just been bought.
  • Ward was described in court as a professional MMA fighter.
In court
  • A garda told the court that Ward had 10 previous convictions.
  • The tax on the car has now been paid.
  • The sentencing date is given as 21 March 2025 in the article listing and as 23 March 2025 in the article text.
Sentence
  • Ward was disqualified from driving for three months and fined €1,000.
  • Ward was given recognisance in case of appeal.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe defendant was before court for not having motor tax on a VW Golf car. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe car was at Clonrehir, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on 31 July 2024. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí stopped the car and found the tax had been out for 278 days. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe defendant had 10 previous convictions, according to the garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe tax on the car has now been paid. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was disqualified from driving for three months and fined €1,000. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was given recognisance in case of appeal. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant was described in court as a professional MMA fighter. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant's counsel said the defendant had become the owner of the car shortly before he was stopped. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Mar2025
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Professional MMA fighter given driving ban in Laois court

    Court report on the sentencing. The article names the defendant, gives his age and occupation, and reports the disqualification and €1,000 fine. It also reports the defence's account that the car had recently been bought and the tax was now paid.

    convicted, Charles Ethan Ward, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles Ethan Ward