Former Donegal publican admits assault, gets four-year driving ban

A former publican in Donegal has pleaded guilty to assault and, in a separate case, has been disqualified from driving for four years.

Sean Connaughton (50) with an address in Dundalk, County Louth, appeared before Letterkenny District Court where a number of matters were heard.

Connaughton was charged with the assault of a man at the Banjo Tavern in Castlefin on September 23, 2019.

The court heard that a victim impact statement is being prepared and the matter was adjourned to April 4. Connaughton is the former licensee of the Banjo Tavern.

In another matter, the court heard that on April 10, 2020, Gardaí were operating a checkpoint at Cloughfin and observed a black Opel Corsa coming towards them.

The car stopped ten feet away from Gardai before the driver reserved and drove away.

The court heard that the driver fled across the border, but was stopped 20 minutes later at another border crossing. Gardaí made a lawful demand for Connaughton to produce his driving licence and insurance, which he failed to do.

Solicitor Mr Fran Dorrian said Connaughton had been ‘engaged in a business enterprise far from where he resides’.

“The vehicle was insured but it didn’t cover him,” Mr Dorrian said, adding that his client had a ‘great deal of disarray in his life’ and that the ‘regrets this completely’.

For driving without insurance, Connaughton was fined €250, with six months to pay, and disqualified from driving for four years. Judge Alan Mitchell also fined Connaughton €100 for driving without a driving licence.