Fake Irish Passport Discovered After Road Traffic Accident Involving Asylum Seeker

A volunteer pastor and asylum seeker was apprehended with a counterfeit passport following a Garda investigation into a road traffic collision.

Abraham Ayendi (47), a father of five, received a four-year driving disqualification and a total fine of €800 when he appeared before Dublin District Court.

Judge Bryan Smyth imposed the penalties after Ayendi, residing at Balseskin Reception Centre, St Margaret’s Road, Finglas, admitted to possessing a fraudulent document at a flat on Mountjoy Street, Dublin 1. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

The court was told that Gardaí responded to a road traffic accident on the North Circular Road on 6th December 2020, involving a cyclist and a vehicle.

Ayendi, the driver, provided Gardaí with inconsistent information regarding his personal details upon questioning. A subsequent search after his arrest revealed a forged passport.

The court heard that the accused has five children and was currently studying healthcare while employed at a residential care facility. His solicitor explained that Ayendi had previously experienced homelessness but now had stable housing.

The defence lawyer requested that Judge Smyth exercise as much leniency as possible, given the circumstances.