Young Carndonagh fisherman smashed into oncoming car before fleeing scene on foot

A young fisherman crashed into another car in the centre of Carndonagh, causing two people to be hospitalised, before fleeing the scene of the collision on foot.

Ben Clarke, of 39 Cherry Avenue, Carndonagh, pleaded guilty to charges of hit and run, driving without insurance and driving without a licence, when he appeared before Carndonagh District Court.

Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian said the 20-year-old defendant “took flight” because he knew he was in difficulty following the crash, and he’s “not proud of it”.

Sergeant Conor Mulkerns presented the facts of the case against Mr Clarke.

He explained how Garda Christopher McGinley had attended the scene of a two-vehicle road traffic collision at Bridge Street, Carndonagh on June 28, 2024.

On arrival, gardai observed two badly damaged vehicles and two ambulances at the scene.

A red Nissan Qashqai was heavily damaged on the passenger side and on the rear driver’s side, while the driver Patrick McGowan and a passenger were both being treated by paramedics.

Mr McGowan informed Garda McGinley that he had been turning right onto New Road, when a BMW came out of nowhere and collided with them. The BMW had travelled from Chapel Street and travelled along Bridge Street.

Both occupants of the red Nissan Qashqai were taken to Letterkenny Hospital for check-ups, but they did not sustain any serious injuries, Sgt Mulkerns told the court.

Garda McGinley observed the second vehicle, a red UK-registered BMW 3 Series.

“No persons were present with this vehicle, and it was believed that the driver had fled the scene,” Sgt Mulkerns further outlined to the court.

As the guards continued to investigate the circumstances of the incident, Ben Clarke contacted Buncrana Garda Station to inform them that he was the driver of the BMW vehicle.

Garda McGinley then met with him at his home and, following caution, Mr Clarke admitted driving, and admitted having no insurance and no licence. Mr Clarke said the Nissan had pulled out in front of him.

However, Sgt Mulkerns said the Nissan was not the cause of the crash. He said Garda McGinley had determined that Patrick McGowan was crossing the road, but that he had completed his turn to such an extent that he wouldn’t be considered responsible for the collision.

“Had Ben Clarke been driving within the speed limit, the crash would have been avoided,” Sgt Mulkerns stated.

Solicitor Dorrian immediately took issue with the notion that his client was to blame for the crash though.

“The idea that he’s responsible for the accident is grossly unfair. This is simply polluting an otherwise guilty plea. He’s not charged with dangerous driving, because the other vehicle came right across into his path.”

“My client was driving on an absolutely clear stretch of road. The vehicle which my client struck was coming down the hill and turned right across his path to enter the ring road. And that vehicle was obliged to stay there until we pass, whatever the speed.”

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Mr Dorrian said Mr Clarke, who has no previous convictions, has no pattern of misconduct whatsoever.

“He acquired the vehicle just before this accident, and he took it out on the road. The vehicle was bought as a prelude to him obtaining a licence, but unfortunately, he took it out for a spin.”

“His employment at that time was in the fishing industry. He fishes out of Urris, which is half an hour from where he lives, and he intends to resume that.”

“He’s otherwise of excellent character, and he has admitted matters to the court.”

After listening to the evidence and mitigation put forward, Judge Brendan O’Reilly said he was willing to give Mr Clarke “a chance”.

“I’m inclined to adjourn it to give him a chance to get a driver’s licence; but he needs to do the prosocial driving course as well.”

“I think his knowledge and application of the rules of the road leave a lot to be desired. He needs to learn that the rules of the road are for his own benefit – and he has to take into consideration the other people who are using the road too,” the judge warned.

The case was adjourned until February 17 next.