Man who drove large crane in Inishowen while on his mobile phone fined €250 in court

A man who drove a large crane in Inishowen while he was on the phone earlier this year has been fined €250 in court.

Terence Murray, of 14 Carlton Drive, Strabane, did not appear before Buncrana District Court to face a charge of driving while holding a mobile phone.

However, Judge Deirdre Gearty directed that the case against the 32-year-old crane driver could go ahead in his absence.

“There’s no appearance by, or on behalf of, Terence Murray; but I’m satisfied that he’s been notified,” the judge ruled.

Garda Mark Flanagan gave evidence in the case, testifying how he had been on patrol at Roneragh, Figary, Fahan on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, when the offence was detected.

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At 1.30pm that afternoon, Garda Flanagan observed a Tadano Faun vehicle, which he described as a large yellow crane, with the driver holding a mobile phone.

“I stopped the vehicle and the driver, Terence Murray, produced a Northern Ireland driver’s licence,” he said.

Garda Flanagan told the court how a fixed penalty charge notice was issued in respect of the offence but it went unpaid.

Judge Gearty convicted Mr Murray of driving while holding a mobile phone. She imposed a fine of €250, with five months to pay.

The judge fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal at €100 cash.