Young Australian avoids jail after trying to ram gardaí during chase

Adam O'Mara, aged 20 and resident in County Louth, received a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a high-speed pursuit on the N1 Motorway near Drogheda on 8 February 2012. O'Mara pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a stolen white Toyota Dyna, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. During the 40-minute chase, the then 17-year-old attempted to ram a garda vehicle on four occasions whilst weaving through traffic and overtaking dangerously. He also threw objects from the vehicle before it came to a stop due to mechanical failure. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a two-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, wholly suspended, and disqualified him from driving for four years. In mitigation, the court noted O'Mara's completion of a welding course and his engagement with drug treatment services since the offence. He was ordered to comply with probation supervision and maintain good behaviour for the period of the suspended sentence.