Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who judge said "should never ever be allowed behind the wheel of a car again" has lifelong ban reduced to 40 years on appeal
Summary
Blake Tobin, 32, of Whitechapel Lawns, Blanchardstown, Dublin, was found guilty in February 2016 of multiple dangerous driving offences, including drink driving, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified. The jury imposed four consecutive six‑month sentences and a life‑long driving ban, with Judge Pat McCartan stating Tobin "should never ever be allowed behind the wheel of a motor car". On appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld all other aspects of the judgment but reduced the driving ban to forty years, citing the absence of serious injury or death. The appeal court noted Tobin's history of 54 convictions, including road traffic offences, knife possession, drug possession, and assault, and described the case as "appalling" due to his high‑speed, reckless driving and attempts to evade detection. The Court of Appeal also found the original life‑long ban excessive in the circumstances. Blake Tobin pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who judge said "should never ever be allowed behind the wheel of a car again" has lifelong ban reduced to 40 years on appeal. Charges or matters: multiple counts of dangerous driving, drink driving, driving without insurance, driving without a license and driving while disqualified at various locations in Dublin on June 17, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 17, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 10, 2016 Other
- 2017-01-23 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: multiple counts of dangerous driving, drink driving, driving without insurance, driving without a license and driving while disqualified at various locations in Dublin on June 17, 2012 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Blake Tobin (32), of Whitechapel Lawns, Blanchardstown, Dublin had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of dangerous driving, drink driving, driving without insurance, driving without a license and driving while disqualified at various locations in Dublin on June 17, 2012. Tobin was found guilty by a jury and was given four six-month sentences to run consecutively by Judge Pat McCartan on February 10, 2016.
Places mentioned
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Appeal's view
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request