A young man who drove a car with EIGHT people riding on the roof and hood has been ordered to donate €750 to charity.
Brian Mordaunt appeared in Letterkenny District Court, County Donegal, facing a dangerous driving charge stemming from the Donegal International Rally weekend on June 21, 2024.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins informed the court that videos of the unusual incident had surfaced on Snapchat.
Police became aware of the situation and subsequently stopped Mordaunt’s vehicle.
The 19-year-old, with no prior convictions, fully admitted to the offense and apologized to the Gardaí, the court heard.
Photographs depicting the car with eight individuals clinging to it were presented as evidence.
Mr. Patsy Gallagher, the defendant’s solicitor, stated that his client’s family is “distraught” by the incident.
Mordaunt, from Clerihan, Clonmel, County Tipperary, is an apprentice electrician.
He was in County Donegal for the Donegal International Rally when the event occurred on Pearse Road on June 21st of the previous year.
Mr. Gallagher, having reviewed the videos, noted it was hard to determine if Mordaunt’s car was moving or not, and if so, it was traveling at a very slow speed.
He argued the case represented the less severe end of dangerous driving offenses, adding that his client recognized the foolishness of his actions and had discussed the matter thoroughly with his family.
The solicitor reiterated that the accused’s family was deeply upset by what occurred and found it inexcusable.
“The family is certainly taking this matter seriously,” Mr. Gallagher emphasized.
Sergeant Collins confirmed the car was moving, although not at high speed.
Judge Ciaran Liddy adjourned the case until September 15th, instructing Mordaunt to donate €750 to Cara House and pay a €250 fine.
Upon completion of these actions, Judge Liddy stated he would consider reducing the charge to careless driving and potentially refrain from disqualifying Mordaunt from driving.
Man with EIGHT people on roof and bonnet of car during rally weekend to make €750 donation was last modified: June 17th, 2025 by
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