The partner of Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) John Montaine (39) is contesting a Garda ‘no insurance’ prosecution.
By Gordon Deegan
At Kilrush District Court sitting in Ennis, solicitor for Mr Montaine of Pella Rd, Kilrush, Patrick Moylan said that insurers, Liberty Insurance have sent in a certificate of insurance to the Gardai for Mr Montaine.
In response, Sgt Louis Moloney told the court that “it is not a certificate of insurance – it is a schedule of insurance”.
In evidence, Garda Ann Marie Hughes said that Mr Montaine was stopped while driving a 192 registered black Ford Grand C-Max at Decomede, Lissycasey Co Clare on February 8th 2021 and failed to produce insurance.
Garda Hughes told the court that “to this date, John Montaine has not produced a certificate of insurance or a certificate of exemption to me or to a Garda station in time”.
Garda Hughes told the court: “I believe a schedule of insurance has been provided which is not a certificate of insurance or exemption.”
Garda Hughes said that she emailed Liberty Insurance asking could they verify the insurance policy which was issued to Violet Anne Wynne and find out if the driver, John Montaine, a learner permit holder was covered for the date he was stopped on February 8th 2021. Garda Hughes said that no driver’s licence was produced by Mr Montaine.
Mr Moylan intervened and said that he should have the email exchange between the Gardai and Liberty Insurance through Garda disclosure so he could take instructions from Mr Montaine who was in court for the case.
Judge Mary Larkin said that Mr Moylan was entitled to see the exchange. Sgt Moloney handed over the email to Mr Moylan but Mr Moylan handed it back asking that Gardai send it on formally.
Judge Larkin adjourned the case to March 15th for finalisation.
