Notorious sex offender Paget attacked garda after high speed chase

A man with previous convictions for aggravated sexual assault pleaded guilty to vehicle theft, dangerous driving, and assault causing harm following events in Dublin 8 in December 2021. The 35-year-old defendant, on bail for an unrelated robbery, was one of three men who took a delivery driver's Mini Cooper from the South Circular Road. A ten-minute pursuit ensued, during which the defendant drove at speed on the wrong side of roads and forced other vehicles to take evasive action before crashing into parked cars at Longs Place. During arrest, the defendant resisted officers and a garda sustained a fractured hand. The defendant subsequently made hostile remarks towards the injured garda while hospitalised. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defendant's counsel highlighted his engagement with probation services from the UK and his efforts to address drug addiction. Judge Orla Crowe remanded him in custody and adjourned sentencing to the following week.