07-05-2025
Tippeary gardaí who stopped man for speeding found he was using fake Belgian driver's licence
Garda Felim Canty told Judge Brian O'Shea that he stopped a vehicle at the M8, Clonmore, North Tipperary, on November 2, 2024, for speeding.
The driver was Emmanuel Idegu, who gave an address of Glenvera Accommodation Centre, Wellington Road, Cork. Garda Canty took a photo of Mr Idegu's ID and sent it to Interpol. The serial number on the ID showed it was a false Belgian document.
Mr Idegu was charged with having in his custody, on under his control, an instrument to wit, a Belgian driver's licence which was and which he knew or believed to be a false instrument. He was also charged with driving without a valid driving licence.
Judge O'Shea said he 'obviously made a foolish mistake.' Mr Idegu was ordered to pay €750 to the court poor box, and if he did so the matter would be dealt with by way of the Probation Act, meaning he would not receive a criminal conviction.
If this was not paid, Mr Idegu would receive a €500 fine and a conviction. The case was adjourned to October 2 next.
