Carndonagh Man Receives Two-Year Driving Ban After Reckless Chase

UPDATE: A young man from Carndonagh has been handed a two-year driving disqualification following a reckless high-speed police chase early Sunday morning, October 20, 2024. Declan Fennelly, aged 24, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving during his appearance at Buncrana Courthouse.

This urgent ruling comes as a wake-up call for drivers, emphasizing the severe consequences of ignoring police signals. The incident highlights escalating concerns over road safety and reckless driving in the region.

Details emerged during the court proceedings that at 1:50 AM, Sergeant Michael Devlin was on patrol when he spotted a 2013-registered red Ford Focus parked off Ballyloskey Road. Upon seeing the police vehicle, Fennelly sped away, driving through a stop sign and onto the main road, reaching speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. Despite the patrol car’s attempts to pursue, the defendant’s reckless driving allowed him to escape temporarily.

The situation escalated as Fennelly abandoned his vehicle in a nearby housing estate and fled on foot, entering a private property. The authorities later identified him as the driver, and he fully admitted his actions during questioning.

Prosecutor Sergeant Conor Mulkerns presented a compelling case, underscoring the dangerous nature of Fennelly’s driving. The court learned that despite having no previous convictions, the defendant’s actions were deemed far beyond mere carelessness.

Defence solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn argued for a reduction of the charge to careless driving, emphasizing that Fennelly had panicked upon seeing the police lights. “He’s a young, single man… who fully cooperated with the guards after he was apprehended,” MacLochlainn stated, describing the incident as an unfortunate lapse in judgment.

Judge Monika Leech ultimately rejected the plea for leniency, asserting that Fennelly’s driving exhibited “all the hallmarks” of dangerous driving. She expressed concern over the implications of his decision to flee, stating, “This act of driving far exceeds the threshold… and it has all the hallmarks of an act of dangerous driving.”

In addition to the driving ban, Judge Leech imposed a fine of €150, recognizing Fennelly’s proactive measures to complete a prosocial driving education course, which cost him €250. Despite this, she emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating, “I hope he has learned his lesson,” and noted that had he stopped for the guards, the outcome may have been different.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel. The community and officials alike are urged to reflect on the implications of reckless driving and the importance of road safety.

This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.