Courts / Dublin / Report

High speed chase after car driven at garda

Date
2020-10-08
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Cawley, aged 22, was sentenced to an additional two and a half years' imprisonment for two counts of endangerment, dangerous driving and driving without a licence. The sentence, imposed by Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, was suspended for 18 months on strict conditions and will run consecutively to the three and a half year term he is currently serving for burglary and unauthorised taking of a car. The offence involved Cawley driving a Volvo at speeds up to 140 kilometres per hour, reversing and then driving straight at a Garda on a junction in Tallaght, narrowly missing the officer and forcing other motorists and pedestrians to take evasive action. The Garda lost sight of the vehicle while it was still on the road. Cawley's 35 previous convictions were noted, and the judge highlighted his young age, the aggravating circumstances of the incident, and his progress in custody. Michael Cawley pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High speed chase after car driven at garda. Charges or matters: two counts of endangerment, dangerous driving and driving without a licence on May 15, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Michael Cawley

Defendant

Charges: two counts of endangerment, dangerous driving and driving without a licence on May 15, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge O'Connor imposed a total of two and half years imprisonment and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions. She noted his very young age, telling him he was making good progress and hoped he would take this opportunity but warned she would not hesitate to activate the suspended portion of the sentence if he came before the courts again.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Burglary Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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