Dundalk court: Fined for carless driving after doin 'donuts'

A Derry man who was seen performing 'donuts' in his car on a section of the old Dublin/Belfast road, which was blocked off by car enthusiasts attending a rally, has avoided losing his licence at Dundalk District Court.

John McKeever (23) of Muldonagh Road, Claudy, County Derry was originally charged with dangerous driving arising out of the incident at Drumnasillagh, Ravensdale on Sunday August 21st last.

A previous sitting of the court heard the defendant was seen performing five revolutions in his car - crossing both sides of the road outside a public house where a car meeting was taking place.

The Defence solicitor told the court it was a long straight stretch of road.

He explained that his client owns a Ford Sierra classic and the car meeting had started in Newry.

He said at this point approximately 30 vehicles were left and four or five cars were doing donuts and on 'either end' cars were parked to block the road.

Although, court presenter Sgt. Jimmy McGovern said he did not think that blocking the entire road could be viewed as a mitigating factor, the solicitor argued there would have been no risk to other motorists.

The court heard the mechanical engineer's workplace is 25 miles from his home and his licence is required to work on other sites.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan adjourned the case to enable the defendant to complete a pro social driving course.

A certificate of completion was handed into the court last Wednesday.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan reduced the charge to careless driving and imposed a €200 fine but added she would exercise her discretion and not disqualify him from driving.