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. 18765Driving without licence or insurance · Co. Laois · 22 Jun 2023

Portlaoise man fined for driving without licence or insurance

Luciano Goncalves, a 46-year-old man from Portlaoise, was stopped by gardaí while driving an Audi A4 at Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, on June 22, 2023. Gardaí said he was driving on a licence that is not recognised in Ireland, and he was convicted of having no licence or insurance. He had no previous convictions, according to Garda Dan Mannix. Judge Andrew Cody fined him €400 for having no insurance and €200 for having no licence, and this was reported on December 30, 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced28 Dec
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Luciano Goncalves, 46, of Portlaoise, was found driving on a licence.
Where
He was stopped driving an Audi A4 at Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise.
When
The stop took place on June 22, 2023.
Investigation
  • Garda Dan Mannix said the Brazilian licence was not recognised in Ireland on that date.
  • According to Garda Mannix, Goncalves had no previous convictions.
  • His solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, said Goncalves was returning home from work when Garda Mannix stopped him.
Charges
Goncalves was convicted of having no licence or insurance.
In court
The court outcome was reported on December 30, 2023.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Cody fined him €400 for having no insurance and €200 for having no licence.
Other details
  • His solicitor said he had worked in a meat factory in Rathdowney for the past five years.
  • His solicitor said he now holds a licence.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA meat factory worker was found driving on a Brazilian licence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe man was stopped driving an Audi A4 at Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe stop took place on June 22. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Dan Mannix said the Brazilian licence was not recognised in Ireland on the date in question. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe was convicted of having no licence or insurance. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtHe had no previous convictions, according to Garda Mannix. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody fined him €400 for not having insurance and €200 for not having a licence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he had worked in a meat factory in Rathdowney for the past five years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he now has an Irish licence. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Dec2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Court told Ryanair don’t fly between Portlaoise and Rathdowney

    Reports the court outcome for a June 2023 traffic stop: a €400 fine for no insurance and a €200 fine for no licence. The article gives no year for the stop; 2023 is inferred from the article's references to 'this year' and the September insurance and licence.

    convicted, Luciano Goncalves, 46, male, namedLuciano Goncalves