Courts / Dublin / Report
Youth avoids jail for dangerous high speed chase near school
Summary
Ryan Fitzpatrick, aged 20, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and dangerous driving in Dublin. He was charged with leading a high‑speed chase that forced parents and schoolchildren to take evasive action near a Donaghmede school, and with driving a Toyota Prius at up to 120 km/h, overtaking on the wrong side of the road, causing a two‑car collision, side‑swiping a Garda car and bypassing a road block. The court noted his previous road traffic and drug convictions. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced him to three years' imprisonment but suspended the sentence in full, citing his early plea, employment, completion of a barber training course and the potential for a "make or break point" in his life. The judge also disqualified Fitzpatrick from driving for five years. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 February 2016. The sentencing decision was made on 18 December 2017.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Youth avoids jail for dangerous high speed chase near school. Charges or matters: reckless endangerment at various locations between Kilbarrack Road and Brookwood Rise Dublin 5, and to dangerous driving on Rosemount Avenue, Artane on February 17, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 17, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-12-18 Publication
Why: A man who led several garda cars on a high speed chase, forcing parents and school children to "take action" in order to avoid being struck by the car has escaped a jail sentence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: reckless endangerment at various locations between Kilbarrack Road and Brookwood Rise Dublin 5, and to dangerous driving on Rosemount Avenue, Artane on February 17, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: However, he suspended the sentence in full, agreeing with Dean Kelly BL, defending, that Ryan had arrived at "a make or break point" in his life.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Kilbarrack Road
- Dublin
- Rosemount Avenue
- Donaghmede
- Rathvale Park
- Dublin
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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