Judge fines Killybegs resident €250 for motoring offence

A Killybegs resident has been fined €250 after he was caught driving without insurance.

Rytus Meskauskas, 30, of Mellys Flats, Main Street, Killybegs, had originally failed to appear at Donegal District Court, held at Ballyshannon Courthouse, on Wednesday, November 4, but appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, November 6.

He was convicted of a charge dating from February 13, 2026, at Corporation, Killybegs, that was contrary to Section 56 (1) & (3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended by Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2006.

At Donegal District Court, Garda Sergeant Oliver Devaney told Judge Cunningham that they were “ready to proceed.”

Judge Cunningham noted that the accused was not present, nor had instructed a solicitor on his behalf, and that she was satisfied to proceed in his absence.

Garda Manus O’Donnell told the court that the defendant’s vehicle was stopped, and that “the driver stated he was not insured.”

Judge Cunningham said she found the facts proven. She then stated: “To be fair to the accused, I am going to afford him one opportunity to give mitigation to the court.

“I am going to put the matter back. I am going to adjourn it until Friday, November 6. That is for mitigation and sentencing.”

At Ballyshannon District Court, the defendant was present. After a second calling, Gda Sgt Devaney told the Judge: “His driving licence is in order, but I don’t have any insurance for that vehicle. He does have a policy of insurance now.

Judge Cunningham asked Meskauskas if he accepted that the policy of insurance didn’t cover the date.

The court heard that Meskauskas had no previous convictions.

Judge Cunningham asked Meskauskas if he needed his licence, to which Meskauskas replied: “Yes.”

Meskauskas was convicted and fined €250, with four months to pay. Judge Cunningham noted he had no previous convictions, so said she was not going to disqualify him from driving.