Teenager (17) gets his seized VW Jetta back despite dangerous driving concerns

A court has granted an application for the return of a seized car to a 17-year-old from North Inishowen, following assurances that he won’t drive the vehicle again and plans to sell it on.

The teenager, who drives on a learner permit and cannot be named due to his age, appeared before Buncrana District Court accompanied by his mother.

His solicitor, Ciaran MacLochlainn, made an application seeking the release of the vehicle, a 2010-registered black Volkswagen Jetta, which had been seized by gardaí earlier this month.

The court heard that the car was confiscated under Section 109 on March 9, 2026, in the Greencastle area, after gardaí raised concerns about the dangerous manner in which it was being driven. The legislation allows for the seizure of vehicles believed to pose a danger to public safety.

Mr MacLochlainn told the court that the vehicle is owned by his client, having been purchased in January, 2019. He said the teenager was present to give evidence and was prepared to offer undertakings to address the concerns of the court.

When asked by Judge Grainne Malone about the State’s position, Sergeant Conor Mulkerns explained that there had initially been an objection to the application. However, following discussions with the teenager and his mother, he said gardaí were now satisfied with a number of proposed undertakings.

The court heard that the vehicle had been seized following an alleged incident of dangerous driving. It was also noted that the same car had been temporarily seized several days earlier due to unaccompanied driving, as the youth currently holds a learner permit.

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Under oath, the 17-year-old stated that he would not drive the vehicle again and confirmed his intention to sell it. He further pledged not to drive any car until he obtains a full driving licence.

Mr MacLochlainn highlighted how his young client has not been charged in relation to the alleged incident and has no previous convictions or penalty points.

Sergeant Mulkerns asked the teenager if he would provide proof of the vehicle’s sale to a local Garda station, to which he agreed.

In her ruling, Judge Grainne Malone warned the teenager that any breach of his sworn undertakings would have serious consequences. She granted the application for the return of the car, with liberty for gardaí to re-enter the matter if necessary.