A DONEGAL Rally fan has appeared in court, charged with stealing an air hose from a petrol station during this year's event.
Farmer Aaron Cosgrove, from 185 Newtownhamilton Road, Armagh, admitted stealing the item on June 21 this year from Manus Sweeney's Top service station at Barnes, Termon.
Inspector Michael Harrison, prosecuting the case, told Judge Paul Kelly at Letterkenny District Court that he was one of the gardai who responded to the report of the theft.
Inspector Harrison said when Cosgrove was stopped in a car not far from the scene, he admitted the theft straight away.
The garda said the Armagh man also said: "They don’t often let me out, but this is a day (the rally) they do let me out."
Judge Kelly asked if Cosgrove had been drinking.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher replied: "It was 11am and I think he was still suffering the after affects from the night before...it was between stages."
Mr Gallagher said Cosgrove and his family were "embarrassed and upset" by the incident.
Judge Kelly ordered the defendant to make an immediate contribution of €200 to St Vincent de Paul.