Two-year ban for uninsured Mayo driver who fled scene of collision

An uninsured driver who fled the scene of a collision, claiming she had to bring her sick dog to the vet, was later found drunk in a hotel car park.

Etain Mangan, aged 40, Tullaghan, Doohoma, pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to public intoxication, driving without insurance or a license, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

The court was told that gardaí in Ballina received a call at 6.59 p.m. on January 21, 2025, from a woman who said another motorist had crashed into her car and then left.

Officers went to the scene and the injured party told them that the other vehicle had suffered heavy damage to its front bumper and provided a registration number.

She said the driver of the other vehicle claimed to have a sick dog in the car that she urgently needed to bring to the vet.

Mangan’s vehicle was later found in the car park of the Great National Hotel, Ballina.

While the car was being seized, an intoxicated Mangan approached and attempted to interrupt the tow truck, demanding her sick dog from the rear of the car.

Mangan has several previous convictions.

Solicitor Brendan Donnelly said his client works part-time in her family's business. She was driving her mother’s car at the time and was not insured, but had insurance on her own vehicle.

The defendant has had “difficulties” with addiction but has been attending a counsellor and has undertaken the Pro-Social Driving Course.

Judge Vincent Deane said it was a serious offence to leave the scene of an accident, particularly while uninsured.

He imposed a fine of €400 and a two-year driving ban.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.