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"Sad future" for banned, speeding driver if he fails to leave crime behind
Summary
Shane McDonnell, 29, was sentenced by Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two years and eight months in custody for unlawful use of a car, three counts of dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and possession of a stolen laptop and PlayStation. He was under a 10‑year driving ban and had 25 prior convictions. The judge warned he must choose between a life of crime or becoming a better father. McDonnell pleaded guilty to the offences, which occurred in Clanbrassil Street and Kennelworth Park on 17 April 2017 and in Templeogue on 16 September 2018. A second sentence of two years was suspended on condition of keeping the peace and complying with Probation Services. The court noted his transformation in custody and his sister's lack of recognition of him. The sentence was back‑dated to 17 September 2018.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Sad future" for banned, speeding driver if he fails to leave crime behind. 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: sentence
When:
- April 17, 2017 Incident
- September 16, 2018 Incident
- September 2018 Incident
- September 17, 2018 Other
- 2019-07-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
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: McDonnell was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today by Judge Karen O'Connor, who warned it was his choice whether to engage in a life of crime or to be a better father to his children. "You're now at a crossroads; you either leave your offending and drug use behind you, or you are facing a sad future," said the judge. For this second offence, Judge O'Connor sentenced McDonnell to two years to run consecutive to the first sentence, but suspended it fully on condition that he keep the peace and abide by all instructions from the Probation Services.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Clanbrassil Street
- Kennelworth Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Clanbrassil Street
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft
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