Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Stock photo of Bus Éireann bus.Alamy Stock Photo Letterkenny Man drove stolen bus from Donegal to Dublin because other bus was full, court hears The judge said this was “a very unusual offence”. 3.21pm, 7 Nov 2025 Share options A YOUNG MAN stole a Bus Éireann vehicle in Co Donegal and drove it to Dublin after being told another bus was full. Derek Dunne appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court where he entered a plea of guilty. Dunne, of Markievicz House, Dublin, was charged with unlawfully taking possession of and use of a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, Bus Éireann Transport Company, or without lawful authority, at Bus Éireann Bus Station, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny on 10 July, 2023. The 24-year-old appeared before Judge John Aylmer for sentencing after the extraordinary incident during which he drove the €390,000 bus from Letterkenny, along the M1 motorway and abandoning it in Sheriff Street in Dublin. The court was told that the bus was not damaged and still had the key in the ignition. Garda Pearse Glynn, led by state barrister Fiona Crawford, outlined the incident to the court. He told how gardaí received a call from Bus Éireann on the morning of 10 July, 2023 to say one of their buses was missing from the Letterkenny depot and later learned that a bus had been found abandoned in Sheriff Street. Dunne was identified from enquiries and he was arrested and interviewed on 12 September and made full admissions. CCTV was harvested which showed a male in a green hoodie arriving in Letterkenny at 10.35pm and was seen waiting until 11.06pm until the bus driver had left. At 11.52pm, Dunne was observed entering a number of buses which were parked up before eventually entering the bus he would steal. He sat in the driver’s seat for about 45 minutes before eventually turning on the lights and driving off in the bus at 12.40am. When interviewed at Pearse Street Garda Station, Dunne told gardaí that he was planning to get a later bus back but was told the bus was full and decided to take a bus himself. After the 237-kilometre journey, Dunne left the key in the bus and left. Barrister for the accused, Daniel Comerford, instructed by solicitor Danica Kinane, said his client had taken an extremely foolish decision and acted on impulse. He said that by doing this Dunne had created a substantial risk of harm to other people but that he now has a full understanding of this. Advertisement Although he has no previous convictions, he is currently on remand in prison facing other charges which he has pleaded to. Comerford said Dunne had grown up in a family with drug problems and that he lived with his grandparents. He has worked in the haulage industry and with heavy goods because of the influence of an uncle who also worked in that industry. The court was told that Dunne does not have a heavy goods vehicle licence, when asked by the judge. Comerford said his client regretted taking the incident the instant he had. He added that the accused did not comprehend the situation and drove the distance he did but that this was a situation which was rooted in panic rather than one which showed a flagrant disregard for others. Judge Aylmer said this was “a very unusual offence.” He outlined the journey taken by Dunne in the stolen bus which he said many in the court present knew was “a very hazardous route.” He described Dunne’s incident as “unusual and rather weird behaviour” saying he was told he had a long fascination with heavy goods vehicles. However, the Judge said he was not exactly sure what was behind the behaviour as he did not have the benefit of a probation report. He said it was obvious from the evidence that there was no intention to deprive Bus Éireann and that he simply wanted to get back to Dublin. Before mitigation he said the offence merited a sentence of two years in prison. But he said the accused came before him with only a previous conviction for speeding, that he was completely cooperative with gardaí and he entered an early plea. Those features merited a reduction of sentence to one of 18 months, he said. He added that he was going to deal with the accused as a young man with an unusual fascination with heavy goods vehicles who behaved in an extraordinary manner. Notwithstanding the fact that he didn’t have a probation report before him, Judge Aylmer said he was going to suspend the sentence of 18 months in its entirety on the understanding that Dunne go under the supervision of the probation services for 18 months when released from prison. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Stephen Maguire Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Man drove stolen bus from Donegal to Dublin because other bus was full, court hears”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Man drove stolen bus from Donegal to Dublin because other bus was full, court hears”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... Bus Eireann Four Courts Letterkenny News in 60 seconds Focus Ireland founder Sister Stan remembered as a 'truly great soul' at funeral in Dublin Government planning for possible visit by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ireland Niall O'Connor Three teenage boys charged in connection with riot at Saggart Ipas centre Antrim Crown Court Suspended sentence for woman who caused death of paedophile former rugby player David Tweed 17 mins ago Ivan Yates and Coimisiún na Meán to be invited before media committee 19 mins ago Healthy Ireland Survey Irish people get 6.9 hours of sleep on average, but women and carers' sleep quality is poorer 20 mins ago Newshound Quiz The Journal Friday Newshound Quiz National Security Concerns across Europe that Ireland's military shortfalls could put major summit at risk Niall O'Connor Doctors 'gasped' when they pulled back drapes on boy (4) in operating theatre, murder trial hears 'tis the season Don't send teabags, crisps or chocolate to loved ones in America this Christmas, says An Post Investigation Two men to appear in court tonight charged in connection with fire at Drogheda Ipas centre Niall O'Connor more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
