COURTS: A man had his rally car seized when he took it on the main road to get a photo with his sponsor for the event.
David Gordon, 23, with an address at Magherabuoy, Letterkenny appeared at Letterkenny District Court on Thursday morning.
The rallying enthusiast had entered his Suzuki Swift into the lowest category of the Donegal International Rally.
He took his rally car on a trailer to Sign It, in Ramelton – to get his sponsors name put on the vehicle.
He then decided to take the car over to the sponsors for a picture before the event.
However, instead of putting the car back on the trailer, he decided drive the short journey to his sponsors premises.
It was then Gardaí spotted the vehicle, and subsequently pulled Mr Gordon over, they established the vehicle was not insured.
The vehicle was insured for the event, but wasn’t insured to be driven on public roads.
Solicitor for the defendant Frank Dorrian said the rally was a labour of love for his client.
“This vehicle was entered into the Donegal International Rally in the lowest category, it wasn’t threatening for a win, it’s hobbyist.
“He got a few quid from a local businesses and wanted to get their picture taken with the car, he should have put the car back on the trailer.”
Judge Paul Kelly fined the defendant €200 with three months to pay.