Courts / Dublin / Report

Dangerous driver claimed he was paid to move stolen car

Date
2019-06-06

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Shane McDonnell, 29, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a car, three counts of dangerous driving, driving without insurance or a licence, and possession of a stolen laptop and PlayStation. McDonnell, who has 25 prior convictions and a 10‑year driving disqualification, drove a stolen VW Passat at high speed around Dublin's city centre on 17 April 2017, running red lights, overtaking on the wrong side of the road and causing other drivers to swerve. He was arrested after a foot chase. McDonnell later told Gardaí he had been paid €300 to move the stolen car for someone. He also admitted he had been asked to pick up stolen items from a Terenure burglary for €50. The court noted he had used his time in custody well, describing a transformation, and sentencing was adjourned to 12 July 2019.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dangerous driver claimed he was paid to move stolen car. Charges or matters: unlawful use of a car, three counts of dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a driving licence in the Clanbrassil Street and Kennelworth Park areas of Dublin on April 17, 2017; possession of a stolen laptop and PlayStation in Templeogue on September 16, 2018. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

April 17, 2017 Incident
September 16, 2018 Incident
September 2018 Incident
July 12th Adjournment
2019-06-06 Publication

Case subjects

Shane McDonnell

Defendant

Charges: unlawful use of a car, three counts of dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a driving licence in the Clanbrassil Street and Kennelworth Park areas of Dublin on April 17, 2017; possession of a stolen laptop and PlayStation in Templeogue on September 16, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned sentencing until July 12th next for finalisation.