Reckless motorist drove rented Ferrari into ditch on M56 near Lymm

Luke McDonagh was witnessed by other drivers on the carriageway swerving in and out of lanes before skidding out of control. 

The 25-year-old dad appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Tuesday. 

Andrew Madden, prosecuting, told the courts how the incident occurred on March 14. 

He said a witness in another vehicle was driving along junction 10 of the M56 near Lymm when he saw the defendant in the red Ferrari Portofino pass him ‘quickly’.  

“The vehicle was described as being out of control,” Mr Madden said. 

Pictured: Luke McDonagh (Image: Facebook)

McDonagh, who was not insured to drive the vehicle, was swerving between lanes and between other vehicles when he skidded across three lanes and lost control. 

The supercar left the carriageway and flew into a ditch at the side of the road. 

Defending, Miss Lewis said McDonagh was joined with another individual in the car who was sat in the passenger seat, and they had rented the car from a family friend. 

“His colleague was driving the car and became unwell, and Mr McDonagh took over.” 

She added that his driving did ‘fall below a competent person’. 

Chair of the bench, Timothy Mullins disqualified McDonagh from driving for six months. 

Addressing the defendant, of Chester, he said: “Your driving was well below the standard expected. There could have been an accident.”