Donegal man convicted for having no insurance took friend’s car amid Garda concerns

A man who drove a friend’s car after concerns over the wellbeing of that person were raised by An Garda Siochana has been convicted of driving without insurance.

Gerard McCauley was before Letterkenny District Court following an incident on December 28, 2025.

Gardai stopped a vehicle in Lifford and spoke with the driver, McCauley, a 40-year-old of Drumdoit, Castlefin. Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that officers made a lawful demand for McCauley to produce a driving licence and insurance, but this was not complied with.

Sergeant Collins said the accused man was “quite compliant and cooperative” with Gardai.

Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for McCauley, told the court that there was a “slightly complicated set of facts” in the matter, which provided “significant mitigation but not an excuse”.

Mr O’Brien told the court: “He was telephoned by An Garda Siochana seeking the location and the whereabouts of a friend.”

Mr O’Brien explained that McCauley had access to the other person’s vehicle and “in haste” went to a property to see if he could locate them. 

“Gardai were present as they were looking for him,” Mr O’Brien added. “It was only in those circumstances that the vehicle was used.”

Sergeant Collins said he was not aware of this, but accepted what the solicitor had put forward.

Judge Emile Daly noted that “very compelling circumstances” had been outlined whereby the accused man had taken the car as a result of a plea.

She said that penalty points will be imposed and a conviction will also affect McCauley’s premium.

Judge Daly said she would impose the “lowest penalty possible” and fined McCauley €260 for driving without insurance. A charge of driving without a licence was taken into consideration.

Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.