Cookstown teen driver caught without insurance three times in seven months

A Cookstown teenager caught driving without insurance three times in seven months has been described by a judge as either “spectacularly unlucky, breathtakingly stupid or exhibits amazing contempt for the rules of the road.”

William Wilson (19) from Crossglebe, pleaded guilty to all charges at Dungannon Magistrates Court which heard he also has a prior conviction for the same offence.

In order of occurrence, on October 30, 2025, police on patrol at Dungannon Road, Cookstown, around 9.30pm observed an Audi A4 which was showing as not insured.

They stopped the car and spoke to Wilson who was issued with a notice to produce insurance. He later attended Cookstown Police Station and confirmed he had no policy.

Then during the early hours of January 31, Wilson was again observed in the Audi at Glen Park, Coalisland. It was still showing as uninsured and the car was stopped. Wilson claimed his insurance company must have cancelled the policy.

Finally at 8.30pm on May 22, Wilson was detected at Oldtown Street, Cookstown, this time in a Seat Leon, which showed as having no insurance.

This time Wilson showed police a policy on his phone from a company called ‘Temp Driver’, which officers were aware was a ‘ghost provider’ and as such there was no legitimate policy in place. Wilson logged into his account but no policy was held. Police then carried out an online check which showed the company domain name did not exist.

Wilson’s vehicle was seized and while he accepted having no insurance on the grounds he was a victim of fraud.

District Judge Francis Rafferty noted the repetition of offending and described Wilson as either, “spectacularly unlucky, breathtakingly stupid or exhibits amazing contempt for the rules of the road.” He added: “He is part of the reason our insurance premiums are so high.”

A defence solicitor suggested the contents of a pre-sentence report pointed to assistance Probation Services could provide in terms of sentencing.

But Judge Rafferty replied: “Diplomacy isn’t my strongpoint and probation services can state things as they wish but I take the view somebody with three separate no insurances and another conviction already in the bag, is displaying contempt or perhaps believes himself to be some sort of criminal mastermind – neither of which by his presence in court suggest he is a likely scenario.”

The defence explained Wilson had taken out a number of temporary policies which were “shortcuts” to allow him to be on the road, pointing out how difficult it is for young drivers to get cover.

Judge Rafferty said, “The difficulty is he has done this repeatedly.”

Imposing fines totalling £900 and disqualifying driving for 14 months, he warned Wilson: “If you appear again, I will be considering sending you to jail.”