Ryan Gerard McNulty, 36, of Causeway End Road in Lisburn, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on charges of driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Police on patrol in Poleglass stopped a vehicle driven by McNulty on Bell Steel Road at 6pm on January 31, 2023. Checks confirmed he was disqualified from driving and the vehicle lacked valid insurance. McNulty admitted the offences in his police interview.

The court learned this marked his second charge for driving while disqualified, with another such case pending at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

Defence counsel noted the offences occurred in 2023 and argued against custody, stating McNulty drove a work vehicle after an employee fell ill. Counsel said McNulty expressed concern about imprisonment.

District Judge Rosie Watters described McNulty's driving record and attitude toward road laws as poor. She stated he risked his own liberty and that prison would be the worst outcome for him.

Watters imposed a five-month custodial sentence, suspended for three years. She banned McNulty from driving for three years and fined him £1000 for lacking insurance.

The judge warned McNulty that any future appearance before her would result in imprisonment.