A RAMELTON man drove through a Garda checkpoint before crashing a short distance later.
Letterkenny District Court heard that Brendan Gibbons-Friel (20) approached a checkpoint at Gortnacorrbi on December 2, 2020 driving a Lexus iS200.
Gibbons-Friel gained speed on approaching the checkpoint and failed to stop for Gardaí, making off in the direction of Churchill.
Gardaí pursued and found the vehicle crashed at Garrowcarry.
Garda Daly observed the driver running in the direction of Churchill and the man was apprehended.
Gibbons-Friel, who has a previous conviction for careless driving relating to an offence in Naas, admitted that he had no insurance and was driving with false plates on the car.
Defence solicitor Mr Kieran Dillon said his client purchased the car and intended to break it for parts. No trailer was available and he took the chance of driving it himself.
“He did panic initially, but he was fully co-operative then,” Mr Dillon said.
Judge Paul Kelly agreed to consider Gibbons-Friel for inclusion on the Pro-Social Driving course and the defendant was ordered to make a €250 contribution towards the course.
The case was adjourned to June 16, 2021.
“There are no guarantees,” Judge Kelly said. “He has been well warned.”