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Garda came close to being "impaled between two cars" after violent hijack
Summary
Tony Ward, 40, of Castlecurragh Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin, was convicted at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for endangerment, dangerous driving, assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. The offence occurred on 29 August 2017 between Dublin city centre and Finglas when Ward hijacked a taxi, threatened the driver with a knife, and forced the vehicle into a high‑speed chase that ended with the taxi colliding with two Garda cars. Garda Ciaran Garry was injured, suffering a large wound to his left arm that required 30 stitches. Ward pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 21 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour and compliance with probation for 12 months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and credited for time already spent in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda came close to being "impaled between two cars" after violent hijack. Charges or matters: endangerment, dangerous driving, assault causing harm and the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at locations between Dublin city centre and Finglas on August 29, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 29, 2017 Incident
- 2019-02-05 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: endangerment, dangerous driving, assault causing harm and the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at locations between Dublin city centre and Finglas on August 29, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Ward to three and a half years imprisonment, but suspended the final 21 months on condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 21 months and that he follow the directions of the probation service for 12 months post release.
Places mentioned
- Castlecurragh Park
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ballymun
- Mellowes Crescent
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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