Wrong man appears before Laois court
The case was called before Portlaoise District Court
A Brazilian man who arrived in Ireland in January didn’t understand the law when he was caught driving without insurance in Portarlington, a court was told.
Renato De Sousa (45) with an address at Clonanny House, Portarlington, was accused of driving without a licence or insurance at Bracklone Street, Portlarlington on May 6, 2026.
Garda Roy Cooper told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that “his English isn’t the best” and his friend had assisted in translating when he was arrested.
Judge Susan Fay said “you are charged with no insurance and no driving licence. That is a serious charge.”
Garda Cooper told Judge Fay that an adjournment might be difficult as “Mr De Sousa is actually being voluntarily deported in two days time”.
“What are you asking me to do?” replied Judge Fay.
Garda Cooper suggested contacting an interpreter in order to hear the case.
However, Judge Fay said this wasn’t possible. She said an interpreter could have been engaged had the court prior notice that they were required. She said the man’s immigration status was a separate matter.
Garda Cooper suggested using an interpreter over the phone service which is available to Gardaí.
Judge Fay put the case back for a second call later in the day.
When the matter was called again, Garda Cooper said there had been “an unusual development” as “the man that actually stood up wasn’t Renato De Sousa”. He said he had spoken to the man’s friend on the phone who told him the defendant was of the belief that immigration had informed him he needn’t attend court.
Judge Fay then issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
When the defendant appeared later in the day, Judge Fay cancelled the warrant.
Solicitor Victoria Kingston appeared for the man and said he was pleading guilty to the offences.
Garda Cooper gave evidence of stopping the defendant following an ANPR(Automatic Number Plate Recognition) alert for the 11LK registered Audi A3 car at Bracklone Street on May 6. He said the defendant was arrested and charged with having no licence or insurance before being released on a cash bail.
Ms Kingston said the defendant had been assisting a friend in bringing the car back to their home. She said the man had “a complete lack of knowledge” of the law.
“He came to Ireland in January on a holiday and as Garda Cooper said, he intends to return to Brazil,” she said.
Garda Cooper said immigration authorities stated that the man could return to Ireland if he leaves voluntarily.
Judge Fay noted the man was returning to Brazil and wasn’t working. She asked if he was willing to estreat his €200 cash bail?
When Ms Kingston said he was, Judge Fay imposed a €200 fine for not having insurance but didn’t disqualify him from driving. She estreated his bail and said the bail cash could go towards his fine.