Derry driver fined for overtaking manoeuvre at N15’s Barnesmore Gap

A 33-year-old man was fined €200 at Donegal District Court after his charge for dangerous driving was reduced to careless driving for a manoeuvre undertaken on the N15 in the Barnesmore Gap. 

Ciaran Halpenny of 25 Leafair Park, Derry, was fined by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham, but did not receive a driving disqualification. 

The incident occurred at the Friarsbush townland on the N15 on June 12. 

Garda Inspector Mick Doherty told the Court that Sgt Kilcoyne observed a white Vauxhall carry out a manoeuvre where the driver passed two vehicles by undertaking them on the left side. 

He said that Mr Halpenny had cooperated with Gardaí and was charged with dangerous driving.

Mr Halpenny’s solicitor, Rory O’Brien, commented that Mr Halpenny did “something foolish.”

He told the court: “He will never be here before the court and he fully accepts his wrongdoing.”

Mr O’Brien commented that Mr Halpenny was a self-employed gentleman in his thirties, required his licence for work, and was “fully apologetic.”

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In reducing the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving, Judge Cunningham warned: “This type of driving is not condoned by this court and is not accepted. He will get one opportunity and one opportunity only.”