Judge adjourns sentencing for Donegal motoring offences to allow defendant attend

A 42-year-old man who was involved in a road traffic collision in Ballyshannon has been found guilty of driving without insurance or a driving licence.

However, he was not present at the sitting of Ballyshannon District Court, and sentencing was adjourned to allow him the opportunity to address the court.

Stephan Buchanan of 3 Marlboro Park, Carryduff, Belfast, was due to appear before the court on Friday, April 17 but failed to attend.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was satisfied to proceed with the hearing as there was proof that the defendant had been notified.

He is charged with driving without licence or insurance at Shannon’s Corner, Donegal Road, Ballyshannon on July 25, 2025, and with failing to produce his licence or insurance documents to a nominated garda station within ten days. 

The court heard that at 7.45am on the date in question, gardaí responded to a call about a two-vehicle collision at Shannon’s Corner.

Gardaí spoke with the occupants of both vehicles, neither of whom had any serious injuries. Buchanan was the driver of a white Ford Transit van. He failed to produce his licence or insurance, the court heard. 

Documents from the second driver had been produced. 

Judge Cunningham said: “I find the facts proven.”

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions. In cases of a first offence for driving without insurance, a district court judge may exercise discretion in not imposing a driving disqualification. 

“To be fair to Mr Buchanan, I am going to allow him to address the court regarding any special circumstances that pertain to loss of his licence,” she said. 

She adjourned the matter to June 19, stressing: “That is simply for mitigation. The facts have been proved.”