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Disqualified driver with 164 previous convictions led gardai on high speed chase
Summary
Ronald Lawlor, 36, who had been disqualified from driving for 15 years, led Gardaí on a high‑speed chase in Dublin's Belmayne area. Garda Neil Plunkett reported that Lawlor, with 164 prior convictions mainly for road traffic offences, ignored warnings and drove at speeds up to 140 km/h, even driving the wrong way around a roundabout and colliding with a Garda patrol car, causing nearly €3,000 in damage. During the pursuit, Lawlor threw a beer can out of the window and refused to provide a breath sample after his arrest. He pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, damage to a Garda vehicle and refusal to give a breath sample. Judge Melanie Greally remanded him in custody until 3 October, ordered a probation report, and noted his intention to abstain from alcohol, while emphasising the seriousness of his offences and the need for future management of his drinking.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Disqualified driver with 164 previous convictions led gardai on high speed chase. Charges or matters: endangerment on Moyne Road, dangerous driving on Grange Road, Baldoyle, damage to a garda patrol car and failing to provide a breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 10, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 10, 2016 Other
- October 3 Adjournment
- 2018-07-10 Publication
Why: She said she hoped to structure a sentence that would assist Lawlor in "the efforts he is making, because I do believe that he is trying. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: endangerment on Moyne Road, dangerous driving on Grange Road, Baldoyle, damage to a garda patrol car and failing to provide a breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 10, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Officers, who knew Lawlor and were aware that he was disqualified from driving, warned him not to drive but Lawlor took off at speed. Lawlor agreed with his counsel that he was aware he is disqualified from driving and he cannot drive and can't get into a car with drink on him.; Judge Melanie Greally remanded Lawlor in continuing custody until October 3 next and ordered a probation report for that date.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Main Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Moyne Road
- Grange Road
- Dublin
- breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station
- Ballymun
Topics
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