Fines and driving ban for man who failed to attend Donegal court for sentencing

A man who failed to attend court after sentencing was adjourned to allow him to be present has been fined and disqualified from holding a driving licence. 

Luke Anthony Mangan, 28, of Apartment 9 Tyrconnell Apartments, Main Street, Bundoran was due to come before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, April 17. The case had been heard in his absence on February 6 last, when Judge Éiteáin Cunningham ruled that she found the facts proven. 

Mangan was found guilty of driving without insurance or licence at the R267 at Finner, Ballyshannon on May 2, 2025. He was further found guilty of failing to produce his licence or insurance documents to a nominated garda station. The judge adjourned sentencing to give Mangan the opportunity to be present in court to outline any mitigating factors that could have spared him a driving disqualification.

At the April sitting, Inspector Tony Byrne said: “The garda spoke to him and he said he would be here. He is not present.”

Judge Cunningham said: “In that case, I will proceed to sentencing.”

For driving without insurance, the judge imposed a fine of €250 and a two-year disqualification from holding a driving licence. She imposed a further fine of €150 for driving without a licence. Mangan has five months in which to pay the fines. 

The charges of failing to produce his licence and insurance documents were taken into consideration.