South African welder claims he 'didn't understand the cost of insurance' in Limerick court

A WELDER from South Africa, who has been convicted of driving without insurance, said in court that he did not realise the cost of insurance in Ireland.

Francois Muller, with an address at Deel Manor, Cloonreask, Askeaton, Limerick, was caught driving with no licence, no NCT certificate and no insurance on Henry Street by Sergeant John Burke on August 4, 2025.

The 30-year-old man pleaded guilty to the charges at Limerick District Court.

Solicitor Julianne Kiely, defending the man, said in mitigation that the man “didn’t understand the cost of insurance which was quoted to him as €2,000” and has no previous convictions.

Judge Patricia Harney asked if the man subsequently got the NCT for his car, to which his solicitor replied that he has not, but stated that the man hasn’t driven since getting caught.

The court heard that Mr Muller is originally from South Africa and works as a welder.

Judge Patricia Harney convicted the man for driving without insurance, and gave him four months to pay a fine of €500.

Judge Harney added that she wouldn’t disqualify the man from driving considering his previous good record.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme

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South African welder claims he ‘didn’t understand the cost of insurance’ in Limerick court

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