Judge criticises motor insurance companies

A midlands judge launched a scathing attack on motor insurance companies yesterday after hearing how an 18-year-old motorist …

A midlands judge launched a scathing attack on motor insurance companies yesterday after hearing how an 18-year-old motorist told gardaí the speed limit was too low - minutes after he was spotted playing a high-speed game of cat-and-mouse with another motorist to a Tullamore roundabout on June 29th last.

After hearing the evidence against Paul Egan, Ballinacurra, Fivealley, Birr, Co Offaly, Judge John Neilan said: "There should be a question on the insurance form - 'Have you matured yet?' Mr Egan is only a child. He should be at home with a soother and a dinky car. Insurance companies are making millions of euro of profit and are not greatly concerned who they sell insurance to," the judge said at Tullamore District Court.

Mr Egan's insurance had expired shortly before the offence.The judge fined him a total of €1,750 for careless driving and driving without insurance, driving licence, tax, or L plates. He also banned him for three years.