Donegal man stopped for road traffic offences found with cocaine

A Donegal man jailed last month for a spate of thefts has appeared in court for further offences.

Nathan Coughlan appeared before Éiteáin Cunningham at Wednesday's sitting of Falcarragh District Court.

Garda Liam Burke gave evidence of arresting Coughlan at 3pm on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 for an offence contrary to the Road Traffic Act. Coughlan was subsequently charged at 10.24am on Wednesday.

When cautioned by gardai, the 28-year-old Coughlan replied: “I've already been done for that.”

Coughlan was charged with driving without insurance and driving licence at Main Street, Pettigo on September 17, 2024.

Coughlan was also charged with being in possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, when he was conveyed to Letterkenny Garda Station on the same date.

He faces a further charge in relation to an alleged offence at Smyths Toy Store, Letterkenny, on May 13, 2024, where he is accused that he did dishonestly by deception induce an employee to give a refund of €65.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that there were no objections to bail on condition that the accused provide gardai with an address and also a mobile number on which he is to be contactable 24/7.

The court was told that Coughlan, who is represented by solicitor Mr Rory O'Brien, is residing in a caravan in a supermarket car park in Bundoran and the matter was adjourned.

Just last month, Coughlan was handed a one-year prison sentence for robberies at Donegal Churches, parochial houses and pastoral centres. Coughlan, a father-of-three with 123 previous convictions, was jailed by Judge Ciaran Liddy at Letterkenny District Court.

Coughlan was subsequently released following a successful appeal.