Judge Keenan Johnson: Refused appeal by McFadden
A CO DONEGAL man who fled a car crash scene leaving two of his passengers trapped inside has had a two-year driving ban upheld.
John Paul McFadden, of Derryreel, Dunfanaghy, pleaded guilty in the District Court to offences relating to an incident at Teevickmoy, Ballybofey, on June 2, 20102.
The 20-year-old had appealed to the Circuit Court against the driving ban after admitting dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of the crash.
A young man and his girlfriend had to be later cut from the overturned car by the fire brigade as McFadden ran off.
A solicitor said McFadden had changed his ways, had started a FAS course to become a stonemason and need his license to travel to Gaoth Dobhair.
Judge Keenan Johnson said however that McFadden had “scarpered” from the scene and it was fortunate no-one had been seriously injured in the crash.
The judge said anyone who did this “cannot expect to keep your license.”
He added: “I would be failing in my duty to society if I was to reduce that sentence – it just has to be disqualification for two years.”