Courts / Dublin / Report

Traffic lights sent flying into parked car after dangerous driver chase

Date
2017-05-18
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Anthony Ward, 26, was found guilty of dangerous driving after a high‑speed chase that ended with his stolen car crashing into traffic lights and sending them into a parked vehicle. Ward drove at up to 160 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, broke red lights, and drove over speed bumps at about 120 km/h before losing control. The car spun twice, struck two sets of traffic lights, and one set was lifted from its base, flew over a fence, and lodged in the dashboard of a nearby car. Ward also admitted driving a stolen car, driving while drunk, and driving without insurance on the same occasion. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to three years' imprisonment with one year suspended, imposed a six‑year driving disqualification, and required him to engage with Probation Services. Ward's prior record includes 49 convictions, including seven for dangerous driving, two for drunk driving, and one for car theft.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Traffic lights sent flying into parked car after dangerous driver chase. Charges or matters: dangerous driving on Park West Ave, Ballyfermot on July 7, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Anthony Ward

Defendant

Charges: dangerous driving on Park West Ave, Ballyfermot on July 7, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a three year prison sentence with one year suspended on condition he engage with the Probation Services.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft

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