Louth ex-Army corporal rammed car into ditch near holy shrine
The Drogheda IndependentA 39-year-old former member of the Army who “used his vehicle as a weapon” has been remanded on continuing bail after pleading guilty to a charge of endangerment resulting from a series of incidents in North Louth more than four years ago.
Derek Donegan, of Hyde Park, Dundalk, at the time, appeared before the circuit court for sentencing on this and a separate matter last year when he struck his partner in the face. He admitted assaulting the woman causing her harm.
The defendant was described as having been an alcoholic abusing cocaine. He was no longer taking drink or drugs and had reconciled with his partner.
Judge Dara Hayes said that it was with “some reluctance” he would adjourn finalisation of the case to July 30 when he wanted to see three clean urinalysis reports from now until then.
The judge added there was a “strong risk” of a custodial sentence.
Gda Siobhán Leech gave evidence that at around 2pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Bellurgan, north of Dundalk, a Seat Leon was reared ended by a Ford Connect van as they travelled towards Ballymascanlon on the main road between Bellurgan Point and Marsh Road.
Both vehicles pulled over and the drivers got out. Mr Donegan said he was sorry for driving so close. The car driver (29) pointed out that he did a lot of damage.
The accused replied, “I don’t care. It’s a company vehicle.” He was wearing a fleece with tyre logos on it. He said his name was Derek.
The other man asked for insurance details. He was taking photos of the damage. By this stage the defendant had got back into the van and appeared to be looking for a gap in the traffic.
He drove at the victim, hitting him below the knees. The car driver managed to clamber onto the bonnet and was “dumped” into the middle of the road. He feared he was about to be killed. His phone was damaged and he couldn’t call for help.
Donegan sped off towards Ballymascanlon. The other man got back into his car and went after him.
Just past Ballymascanlon Hotel the van turned right before crossing the Thistle Cross junction without stopping.
It slowed down around St Brigid’s Shrine and the car pulled up alongside. The accused reversed and rammed the Seat Leon into a ditch. The driver managed to get out and asked people at the scene to phone Gardaí.
He was distraught and had no more energy at this point but was able to make his way to Dundalk Garda station at 2.25pm to report the incident before attending Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where he had x-rays.
The man was in pain. He had cuts and shooting back pain. He said that he felt lucky to be alive.
Meanwhile, Gardaí on the look out for the offending vehicle spotted a white car extensively damaged to the front at Castletown Road, Dundalk. They signalled it to stop and the driver complied.
Derek Donegan was arrested at 4.45pm. He admitted running into the back of the car. He had no explanation for his behaviour.
He said he had gone home for five minutes and intended to go to the garda station.
Gda Leech said that the defendant was co-operative and agitated.
The injured man did not make a Victim Impact Statement. He was still shaken by the incident.
The court also heard about what happened at Erne Terrace, Dublin 2, on July 13, 2024.
A garda who responded to a report of an altercation saw a woman emerge from a neighbour’s house with blood running from her mouth and nose.
While walking home with Mr Donegan after having drinks at a friend’s house she said they had an argument and parted ways.
He was waiting outside the house in Erne Terrace when she arrived home. The woman told him to return to Dundalk and gave him €15 on Revolut.
He stayed, saying it was his house as well. He walked towards her. The victim recollected being struck in the face by him before going to a neighbour’s house. She was brought to A&E at the Mater Hospital.
Following his arrest, the defendant gave a “no comment” interview. He was on bail at the time. He had 14 previous convictions, all for Road Traffic matters.
His partner made a statement of withdrawal on August 14.
She gave evidence on his behalf at a High Court bail hearing which helped him get bail after nine weeks on remand. They were back together.
Barrister Donough McDonough, instructed by solicitor Frank McDonnell, said that the defendant wanted to apologise to the driver. He accepted complete responsibility.
He had little recollection of striking his partner. He was ashamed.
Mr Donegan was dealing with his alcohol and cocaine use. He was living with his partner at his parents’ house in Dundalk. He had a child from a previous relationship.
He had been promoted to corporal in the Army. He struggled to discharge his duties and left.
He worked for a tyre company in Dublin and more recently for a tyre company in Dundalk.
Mr Donegan missed an appointment with the Probation Service because he couldn’t get off work.
He was no longer taking drink or drugs. There was no evidence to back that up but the defendant was adamant that urinalysis would be clear.
Mr McDonough asked for a chance for that to happen.
Judge Hayes said he would accede to that request with some reluctance.
These were very serious matters, he continued. Derek Donegan had used his car as a weapon on two occasions.
He ran a car off the road. All the other driver was trying to do was swap insurance details.