Man cut engine wires of car competing in Donegal International Rally

A man has pleaded guilty causing criminal damage to a rally car belonging to a competitor at the Donegal International Rally.

John Crothers, a 65-year-old, admitted damaging the car of rally driver Richard Hall when he appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Mr Hall had been due to take part in the Historics section of the rally in June, 2022.

However, his car was interfered with before the race.

The accused, of Ballynashee Road, Glenwherry, Ballymena, County Antrim, spoke only to plead guilty to the offence.

Crothers is accused that he did, without lawful excuse, damage property, to wit, cut the fuel pump switch, the fan switch, three wires to the rev limiter and the safety switch of a motor car, a Ford Escort, belonging to Richard Hall, intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

Barrister for the accused, Mr Peter Nolan BL, requested a probation and welfare report on behalf of his client.

Mr Nolan said there is an "informal relationship" that the Probation Service in this jurisdiction can apply to their counterparts in Northern Ireland to have a report carried out.

Judge Roderick Maguire agreed to the request.

Mr Nolan said he would endeavour to request the Probation Service here to liaise with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to secure a report.

Mr Hall was present in court for the short hearing.

The case was adjourned for final sentencing to the next sitting of the Letterkenny Circuit Court in October.