Cork man riding motorised bicycle on Youghal street had no licence or insurance

A Cork man who was stopped while riding a motorised bicycle has been convicted in the district court of having no insurance or licence to ride the vehicle.

Sergeant Linda O’Leary told Youghal District Court that 18-year-old Andre Sassen, with an address at O’Brien’s Terrace, Youghal, Co Cork, was observed riding a bicycle with a petrol engine attached to it in Youghal on May 21, 2025.

The court heard it was the noise of the vehicle, which was described as a pedal cycle with a petrol engine attached, that initially attracted garda interest.

The vehicle was examined and assessed to meet the criteria of a mechanically propelled vehicle which is legally required to be insured for use in a public place, and also operated by a rider with an applicable licence.

Defence solicitor, James Moore, said Sassen was pleading guilty to both charges.

He said his client had purchased the adapted bike for €180 and did have a learner permit at the time he was stopped, but accepted he did not have a licence to ride the bike and also accepted it was not insured.

The court was told Sassen had no previous convictions and was now working as an apprentice fitter with a plant hire company. Mr Moore said Sassen’s employer had provided a reference for him and was also in attendance in court.

The court was told losing his driving licence would almost certainly mean Sassen would also lose his job.

Judge John O’Leary said Sassen needed to “get his act together” and be more careful in
future. He convicted and fined Sassen €120, allowing him three months to pay the fine.

• This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme