Driver who led Gardaí on Donegal car chase imprisoned for dangerous driving

A man with a Westmeath address, has been imprisoned after leading Gardaí on a high-speed car chase in South Donegal and Sligo. 

Stefan Muntean,18, of 1 The Valley, Main Street, Moate, Westmeath, was convicted by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at Donegal District Court, held in Ballyshannon, and jailed for five months and disqualified from driving for two years.

Gardaí only managed to apprehend Muntean on December 9, 2024, after he stopped when a stinger was deployed in Co Sligo, after being pursued in Mountcharles, Donegal Town, and Ballyshannon.

Muntean, who is currently in Wheatfield Prison for a previous conviction, at which time he was a juvenile, was also a juvenile at the time of the criminal incident. He pleaded guilty to all offences and was convicted of one offence of dangerous driving, with five other charges of dangerous driving struck out.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without a driving licence and insurance, as well as failure to comply with a direction given by a member of An Garda Síochána for the purpose of diverting, regulating or controlling traffic in Tullyearl, Donegal Town. 

Judge Cunningham was told that Muntean had 16 previous convictions, all while he was a juvenile. 

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Muntean’s solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, said: “He is serving a significant sentence. He can reflect on his attitude and position on matters since then. 

“He tells me he is trouble-free in prison. He apologises in relation to the situation. He has pleaded guilty to these matters. He is a young man. He does have a future, and he has a child. 

“Every day is difficult in prison. There is no holiday season.”

Judge Cunningham commented: “Not only did he put himself in significant danger, but he also put members of the public and An Garda Síochána in significant danger. 

“He is most fortunate that an incident of significant danger did not occur.”