No jail for man who hijacked car after crashing

Patrick Fitzgerald, aged 40, of Glenties Park, Finglas, Dublin, has avoided a custodial sentence following an incident on River Road, Castleknock, County Dublin. On 18 August 2014, following a serious motor collision in which a vehicle overturned, Fitzgerald entered a parked car without consent and directed the driver to transport him to Ashtown. The driver repeatedly asked him to leave but continued driving approximately 500 metres before refusing to proceed further, at which point Fitzgerald exited the vehicle. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to interfering with the control of a car by threat of force or intimidation. Judge Melanie Greally suspended a two-year prison sentence conditional on Fitzgerald keeping the peace for that period. The court heard evidence of his previous convictions, including 49 road traffic offences, and noted his efforts to address historical alcohol difficulties.