A young woman caught driving without insurance for the 13th time was sentenced to five months in jail and banned from driving for eight years.

Margaret Butler of 31 Forest Hill, Mill Road, Midleton, County Cork, pleaded guilty to having no insurance on June 8, 2019, at Bawnafinny, Kerrypike, County Cork.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the jail term on her at Cork District Court on Friday.

Defence solicitor, Pat Horan, said this offence was committed in June and that this month was a particularly difficult one for her every year as it was the anniversary of her 18-month-old daughter’s death in an accident in 2003.

Mr Horan said Butler was still dealing with the issues arising from the death of her infant daughter. He said she was engaging with health services in relation to the matter.

“That is the backstory of what happened,” Mr Horan said.

Judge Kelleher said, “Unfortunately, she has 12 convictions for no insurance and six for driving while disqualified. 

"She has no regard for orders made by this court. It is not acceptable.” 

The judge then imposed the jail sentence.

Mr Horan asked, “I wonder would the court consider suspending it.” 

The judge said he would not.