Ireland Hutch gang member James ‘Mago’ Gately convicted of drug-driving in Donegal
James 'Mago' Gately, a man described by the sources as a Hutch gang member, was stopped at a routine checkpoint at Burn Rock, Killygordon, Co Donegal, on 7 May 2024. A subsequent blood test showed cannabis above the drug-driving limit, and he was charged with driving while exceeding that limit. He appeared in person at Letterkenny District Court, where Judge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted him. The latest development, reported on 2 April 2025, is a one-year driving ban and a €200 fine, to be paid within five months.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced2 Apr
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- James 'Mago' Gately, a man described as a Hutch gang member, was the subject of the case; one article headline gives his first name as Stephen.
- When
- The offence took place on 7 May 2024.
- Where
- Gately was stopped at a routine checkpoint at Burn Rock, Killygordon, County Donegal.
- Other details
- He was driving a Hyundai i30 and produced a full Irish driving licence.
- Gately has previous convictions for minor road traffic matters but none for drug-driving.
- The Criminal Assets Bureau seized a Coolock property the day before the hearing; this is not part of the charge.
- Investigation
- A subsequent blood test showed cannabis above the drug-driving limit.
- Charges
- Gately was charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while exceeding the drug-driving limit.
- In court
- Gately appeared in person at Letterkenny District Court and did not speak while the matter was heard.
- Judge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted Gately, as reported on 2 April 2025.
- Sentence
- Gately was banned from driving for one year.
- Gately was fined €200 and given five months to pay.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whereGately was stopped at a routine checkpoint at Burn Rock, Killygordon. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe offence happened on 7 May of the previous year. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationA subsequent blood test was over the limit for cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeGately was charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while exceeding the drug-driving limit. (donegallive.ie)
- courtGately appeared in person at Letterkenny District Court and did not speak while the matter was heard. (donegallive.ie)
- courtJudge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted Gately. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceGately was banned from driving for one year. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceGately was fined €200 and given five months to pay. (donegallive.ie)
- otherGately was driving a Hyundai i30 and produced a full Irish driving licence. (donegallive.ie)
- otherGately has previous convictions for minor road traffic matters but none for drug-driving. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 2 Apr2025Hutch gang member Stephen 'Mago' Gately convicted of drug-driving in Donegal
Reports the Letterkenny District Court conviction, one-year driving ban and €200 fine. Adds the checkpoint location, the vehicle, the blood test result and his previous road traffic record. Also reports that CAB seized his Coolock property the day before the hearing, which is not part of this charge.
convicted, James 'Mago' Gately, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)James 'Mago' Gately