Part of court case heard in French

Romain Goyault (32), Oak Grove, Banbridge, admitted driving with no insurance and not having a vehicle test certificate on August 16 last year.

The court heard he was stopped on the Scarva Road, Banbridge, and told police he did not have insurance or a vehicle test certificate.

The vehicle was seized by police and had not been returned to him.

Goyault, who did not have a solicitor, said there had been problems with getting the car registered.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, then spoke to the defendant in French before sentencing him. He said he was going to give the defendant a chance to put this right and was satisfied the issue about registration compromised his ability to insure the car.

He imposed an absolute discharge but gave the defendant six penalty points and ordered him to pay a £15 offender’s levy.