02-08-2025
Former Louth soldier who used van ‘as a weapon' to flee accident sent to jail
Derek Donegan (39), Hyde Park, Dundalk at the time, 'used his vehicle as a weapon' to strike another motorist as he fled the scene of an accident he caused in North Louth more than four years ago.
He appeared before the circuit court for sentencing on this and a separate matter when he struck his partner in the face. He admitted assaulting the woman causing her harm, as well as the endangerment charge.
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 remarked that the endangerment victim was lucky his injuries were not more serious.
"To drive at somebody in that way, seeking to flee an accident, was an extremely serious matter.'
The judge added that Donegan had shown no regard for the safety of his partner.
Consecutive two-and-a-half year and two-year sentences were imposed, the final 18 months conditionally suspended, along with a five-year driving disqualification.
At a sentence hearing last June, 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.'
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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 van 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.
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 Erner 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.
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.
It was stated on Mr Donegan's behalf that he wanted to apologise to the driver. He accepted complete responsibility.
He had little recollection of striking his partner. He was ashamed.
On the adjourned date there were three clear urinalysis results before the court.
Judge Hayes said a probation report stated that Derek Donegan grew up in Dundalk. He has two children, one from a previous relationship.
A former soldier, he had risen to the rank of corporal. There was a drinking pattern in the Defence Forces, while be began experimenting with cocaine in his early thirties.
Since leaving the Army he worked for a tyre company.
The sentence was backdated to May 23 last to account for the nine weeks spent on remand.
