Carndonagh District Court heard how Mark McKewoen, who is originally from USA but is living in Drumaweir in Greencastle, was charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

McKewoen's car crashed into another car – driven by Patricia Hume who is in her 70s – in Carrowtrasna, Shroove on March 15.

The 71-year-old Nobel Laureate John, and his wife Pat were both taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and treated for chest pains after the accident.

The couple were later discharged.

Garda Paul Doherty told the court, held on Tuesday March 18: "We attended the scene, there were two cars involved.

"At the scene the defendant came over to me and said 'I have no insurance'.

"The accident occurred on a country road, it was narrow.

"The car went over the line and collided with the other car."

McKeweon, of Cavanagh Apartments, who represented himself, told the court he believed a tyre changed the day before the collision, may have caused his car to slide. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

Garda Doherty said McKeweon had been living in Ireland for five months – taking part in a national fishing course held in Greencastle; he would be heading back to America after the course has finished.

For having no insurance Judge Anderson fined McKeweon 500 euro and disqualified him from driving for one year. For the dangerous driving charge he was fined 250 euro and disqualified from driving for one year.