€750 in fines for Donegal van owner who left scene after colliding with parked car

A man who left the scene of a collision after colliding with a parked car in Donegal Town has been fined a total of €750 for a number of arising offences. 

Brian Byrne, 36, of Drumboarty, Letterbarrow, was before a recent sitting of Donegal District Court which took place in Ballyshannon Courthouse. 

Solicitor Rory O’Brien reminded the court that his client had previously pleaded guilty to the offences. Byrne admitted being the driver of a vehicle involved in damaging a Skoda Kodiaq parked at Bridge Street, Donegal Town on December 15, 2023, and failing to keep the vehicle at the scene. He further admitted criminal damage to the vehicle, careless driving, and failing to give information to a garda sergeant. 

Inspector Tony Byrne told the court that the injured party had parked his vehicle at 7.20pm on the evening in question. He returned to find damage to the driver side of the vehicle. 

“Debris left at the scene identified the vehicle as a Peugeot van,” said the inspector. “A search for the offended vehicle was conducted. During the search, officers located the vehicle parked on the Letterbarrow road with damage to the passenger side.

“They contacted the owner who initially denied the offence. 

“He attended Donegal Town Garda Station later and made a statement identifying himself as the man in the car.”

Mr O’Brien said his client did cooperate with the investigation and was of considerable help. 

“He accepts that the collision was caused by him, and expressed his remorse in the cautioned statement,” said the solicitor. 

He added that his client had no previous convictions and the injured party had fully compensated any consequential loss of the part of the injured party.

Mr O’Brien outlined that his client had significant challenges in his life which had a very serious impact on him, details of which were outlined in a report on the court file. 

“There was no alcohol or cannabis,” said the solicitor. “He has a very supportive relationship with members of his family. He is caring for a gentleman who has cancer.”Mr O’Brien added that his client had since had a change of medication that was working better for him. 

“He accepts his wrong, all parties have been fully compensated, he has never come before the court,” he said. “I ask you to be as lenient as possible.”

Judge Ciaran Liddy imposed convictions and fines of €250 for each of the charges of failing to keep his vehicle at the scene of the collision, careless driving, and criminal damage. The charge of failing to provide information to gardaí was taken into consideration.