'Lucky' South Donegal motorcyclist fined €400 for driving offences after N56 crash

A South Donegal motorcyclist was “lucky he didn’t receive more serious injuries” following a crash which resulted in his hospitalisation, as he was fined €400 at Donegal District Court for two offences with no driving disqualification. 

Brian Foster, 32, of Rath Mountain, Ballintra, was the motorcyclist in question on September 1, 2024, at Kilmacreddan, Inver. 

Garda Rory Guinan told the court at Ballyshannon Courthouse: “A motorbike had collided with two cars on the N56.

“The driver of the motorbike lost control of his bike and veered into the lane of oncoming traffic. 

“He was removed from the scene via ambulance. Two other persons required hospital treatment.”

Foster’s solicitor, Gerry McGovern, told the court his client “held full cooperation in relation to this matter.”

He continued: “They were not speeding and were keeping a very even pace. 

“There was nothing unusual about the driving here. He needs his licence for work. He has two jobs and is self-employed.”

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Judge Éiteáin Cunningham commented: “He was lucky he didn’t receive more serious injuries from the accident.”

She said she noted that Foster had no previous convictions, but did warn of a future driving qualification should a similar case come before the court.

Judge Cunningham convicted and fined Foster €200 for driving a vehicle without insurance, contrary to Section 56(1) & (3) Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended by Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2006.

She then also fined Foster another €200 for driving a vehicle without due care and attention, contrary to Section 52(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as substituted by Section 4 of the Road Traffic (No.2) Act 2011.

Foster was given six months to pay the combined €400 fine.

After the verdict was given, McGovern said: “He is a hard-working young man. He is lucky he didn’t sustain more significant injuries.”