Judge says Limerick man with four hit and run convictions 'shouldn’t be on the roads'

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the man, said Michael McNamara had an active addiction during the time of the offence

Published 10th Apr 2026, 07:55 BST 2025 Garda recruitment campaign launched with 5,000 new gardaí to be recruited over 5 years Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the man, said Michael McNamara had an active addiction during the time of the offence Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

“SOMEONE LIKE that shouldn’t be on the roads” said a judge when a man with four hit and run convictions was brought before the court.

Michael McNamara, 46, with a home address at Kilmurry Close in Garryowen, Limerick , had his vehicle seized at the same location for driving without a license and insurance on May 31, 2025.

Prosecuting sergeant Denis Waters told Limerick District Court that Mr McNamara has 17 previous convictions, including two for no insurance, one for driving without a licence, and four previous hit and run convictions.

The court heard that Mr McNamara’s last recorded conviction in the courts was for drink driving in 2013.

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Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the man, said Mr McNamara had an active addiction during the time of the offence.

The solicitor said the “addiction had all consumed him”, and that Mr McNamara is in treatment, which is “a hard thing to do”. Ms Ryan said “he wasn’t well”, and that he wasn’t aware of his actions at the time.

Judge Patricia Harney said “He knew well.” The judge pointed out that this will be the third conviction that the man will receive for driving without insurance, and that he has four previous hit and run convictions.

The judge asked: “What about the danger to everyone else?” and “What if someone is killed?”

Judge Harney disqualified Mr McNamara from driving for ten years. She proceeded to sentence him to four months’ imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months, and fined him €1,600 in total for the offences.

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