Red diesel find in Transit van lands man with €2,500 fine - Donegal News

Caught using red diesel in Transit Van in Letterkenny

A man with an address in Letterkenny was convicted and fined after customs officials found red diesel in his Northern registered van during a roadside stop in Newtowncunningham.

Kai Houston (25), of Cil Gréine, Lismonaghan, Letterkenny had his silver Ford Transit van pulled over at Long Lane, Newtowncunningham on April 19, 2024. Customs officials took three samples of what appeared to be red diesel from the vehicle for analysis.

Lab results confirmed the presence of red diesel on July 21, 2024. In the intervening period, customs officials had attempted to make contact with Houston but they were unsuccessful. Houston was subsequently interviewed by Gardaí.

At Letterkenny District Court on Monday, state solicitor Mr Kieran Dillon told the court that fines for the illegal use of red diesel in road vehicles ranges between €2,500 and €5,000.

Defending solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher told the court that Houston had made a full and frank admission to Gardaí, adding that the vehicle in question was an old farm van. Mr Gallagher sought full mitigation on his client’s behalf.

Judge Emile Daly convicted Houston and imposed a fine of €2,500 with six months to pay.

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