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12 Mar 2026

Suspended sentence for leading PSNI on 'prolonged chase' and ramming police vehicle

James Joseph Donegan (30) of Liscannor Park in Derry was convicted of dangerous driving and other driving offences that occurred on October 21, 2024

Rowdy scenes at Derry Magistrate's Court as anti lock down protesters disrupted proceedings

Derry Magistrates' Court

Reporter:

Court Reporter

12 Mar 2026 3:30 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

A man who led police on a 'prolonged chase' that culminated in him ramming a police vehicle has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates' Court. 
James Joseph Donegan (30) of Liscannor Park in Derry was convicted of dangerous driving and other driving offences that occurred on October 21, 2024.
The court was told that CCTV operators alerted police to an vehicle driven by Donegan.
Police got behind the vehicle and signalled it to stop but it made off at speed heading towards the Buncrana Road and then towards the Templegrove roundabout. 
Police were forced to take 'evasive action' before Donegan rammed a police vehicle and was then arrested.
Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said her client now accepted the verdict of the court and wished to apologise to police for his actions. 
She said at the time of the offending Donegan was not long out of prison and was leading a 'party lifestyle'. 
The barrister said that he has since gone off drink and drugs and was trying 'to do everything right'.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that Donegan had lost credit by contesting the matter.
He said that the case was too serious for a community based disposal and added Donegan could have found himself in the Crown Court. 
But the Judge said that the defendant seemed to have recognised his issues and taken steps to address them.
Donegan was given a five month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, disqualified for two years and fined a total of £700.

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