Gleneely resident who drove car without insurance must attend driver safety course

A young man originally from Ukraine has been ordered to complete a driver safety course after admitting to driving without insurance.

Rikhard Adam, of 4B Gleann Dara Court, Gleneely, pleaded guilty to a no insurance charge contrary to Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act at Buncrana District Court.

An interpreter was present in court to assist the 20-year-old, who has settled in Inishowen after moving to Ireland.

The court heard that the offence was detected on September 10, 2025, at approximately 9.25pm on the Culdaff Road in Gleneely. Gardaí on patrol observed a 2006-registered black Volkswagen Passat being driven and subsequently stopped the vehicle.

Mr Adam identified himself as the driver, and further checks revealed that the car was not covered by insurance. The vehicle was seized at the scene by gardaí. The court was told that Mr Adam has no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Nikita McGrath said her client is a father-of-one who is originally from Ukraine and has now made his home in Donegal. She explained that he had been in the process of adapting to the rules and regulations of driving in this country at the time of the offence.

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Ms McGrath said Mr Adam fully accepted that it was his responsibility to ensure the vehicle was properly insured before taking to the road. She added that he now understands his obligations and currently has a full insurance policy in place.

After listening to the evidence, Judge Emile Daly said it was important that drivers understand and comply with the rules of the road. She directed Mr Adam to undertake a prosocial driving course, stating that he needed to become fully aware of his responsibilities as a motorist in Ireland.

The course will cost €350, which Mr Adam must contribute. Judge Daly adjourned the case until July 9 to allow time for the driver safety course to be completed.