‘Thelowest formoflife’

A man has been banned from driving for 15 years and jailed for eight months after the new district court judge in Dundalk heard the defendant had 62 previous convictions, was banned at the time and had been ‘ high on cannabis for much of last year’.

The case prompted Judge John Coughlan to declare that those who drive while disqualified were ‘ the lowest form of life’

John McDonagh, (26), 9 Stocking Hill, Stocking Lane, Dublin 16, admitted dangerous driving and having no insurance at Newtownbalregan on March 12 2016. He also admitted handling stolen property and driving under the influence on the same date.

Judge John Coughlan also heard how McDonagh had already been banned for four years in 2013.

Barrister James Egan said his client had been ‘ high on cannabis for much of last year’ and his life ‘ had spiralled out of control’ after the grandfather who raised him passed away. McDonagh’s father had died ‘in a violent incident’. In addition to the cannabis, McDonagh had been taking prescription medication at the same time and his wife had left him because of what was happening.

McDonagh had been remanded in custody for a month on these offences and after being released from Cloverhill Prison he had not been in trouble with Gardai.

Mr Egan also said that in April last year, McDonagh had taken part in a restorative justice programme and has been working very well with the Probation Service as well as undergoing counselling.

Judge Coughlan said: ‘ They’re the lowest form of life, those who drive while disqualified’. He imposed sentences totalling eight months and a 15 year driving ban. He allowed him to appeal in his own bond of €100 with an independent surety of €300, with no cash lodged.

The judge said: ‘If you drive while disqualified again, you will spend even more time in Mountjoy’.