A would-be romeo has been ordered to pay €150 after a romantic rendezvous at one of Donegal's most iconic cultural sites at 2.30am during Covid lockdown.
The couple had gone for a drive to An Grianán of Aileach ringfort at Burt which overlooks the Inishowen Peninsula during Level 5 restrictions in February 2021.
However, they were disturbed by concerned gardai during their romantic encounter.
One half of the couple, 27-year-old Jamie McLaughlin, appeared at Buncrana District Court where he was charged with breaching the restrictions.
Mr McLaughlin said he and his girlfriend had been out for a walk when approached by gardai.
He claimed he did not know that such heavy restrictions were in place.
His solicitor, Mr Ciaran Mac Lochlainn, admitted: “He drove to An Grianán fort and there might have been more than a walk involved.
“They were surprised when Gardaí arrived when they were in the position they were in.”
The couple were left surprised when Gardai approached their car in such a remote location at such a late hour, the court was told.
McLaughlin, of The Meadows in Derry, is a chef and a father-of-one, the court was told.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham considered the evidence and ordered McLaughlin to make a €150 donation to the Buncrana branch of St Vincent de Paul.
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