Courts / Limerick / Report

"Menace to society" jailed for reversing stolen car at garda patrol

Date
2017-11-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Sean Kerins, a 26-year-old Limerick man with 105 previous convictions, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed in Clondalkin on October 9, 2016. Kerins pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal damage to an unmarked patrol car, and two counts of dangerous driving. The court heard that Kerins, who was disqualified from driving at the time, drove a stolen Honda Civic at speeds exceeding 160 km/h during a police pursuit. He failed to stop, drove through red lights, and subsequently reversed at speed into a patrol vehicle, causing damage. Defence counsel Carol Doherty BL highlighted Kerins' difficult background, lack of parental support, and drug use, describing him as heavily institutionalised and genuinely apologetic. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Kerins' challenging life circumstances but characterised him as a "menace to society" who endangered the public. The judge imposed a three and a half year sentence, suspending the final year on strict conditions. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Menace to society" jailed for reversing stolen car at garda patrol. Charges or matters: unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal damage to an unmarked patrol car and two counts of dangerous driving in Clondalkin on October 9, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

October 9, 2016 Incident
2017-11-15 Publication

Case subjects

Sean Kerins

Defendant

Charges: unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal damage to an unmarked patrol car and two counts of dangerous driving in Clondalkin on October 9, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Nolan imposed a three and a half year sentence and suspended the final year on strict conditions.