Disqualified motorist caught by Longford gardaí driving without insurance for third time

A driver who was caught driving while disqualified twice within a three week period is facing a possible sentence, if deemed suitable, of 200 hours of community service.

Dylan Donegan of 31 Shangarry, Ballinagh, Cavan pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving while disqualified, without insurance, tax or NCT and drug-driving on two separate dates.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí were on patrol in Bracklin Park, Edgeworthstown at around 1.30pm on April 13, 2025 when they observed the defendant driving a car.

“A check was carried out on the mobility device and it showed there was no insurance, tax or NCT on the vehicle,” he outlined.

Sgt Mahon said Gardaí stopped and spoke to the driver and demanded his driving licence and his insurance certificate, but he did not have them on him.

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Gardaí also demanded Mr Donegan’s name and address and a check was carried out on him and it was discovered he was a disqualified driver.

Sgt Mahon said Gardaí were conducting a speed checkpoint at Cartron, Granard at about 2.30pm on May 4, 2025 and they observed the defendant driving a vehicle and it was checked on the mobility device.

“It showed there was no insurance, no tax and the vehicle was followed and stopped.

“The driver, who identified himself was spoken to and a roadside drug test was carried out and drugs were found in his system,” he added.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Donegan was subsequently arrested and it was discovered he was a disqualified driver and a blood sample obtained at the station was positive for drugs.

The court heard the defendant had 22 previous convictions including two for no insurance and two for exceeding the drug-driving limit in relation to blood.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn acknowledged his client had a ‘poor record and he ‘obviously has an issue’ with drugs, but he had a ‘difficult’ upbringing.

Mr Quinn noted the Probation Service had been ‘unable to get in touch with’ his client but he had spoken to them and if the court was open to it they would be able to do a ‘same day community service assessment’.

Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and she decided to give Mr Donegan an opportunity to engage with the Probation Service and she indicated of suitable for community service she will impose 200 hours in lieu of six months imprisonment.

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