Courts / Dublin / Report

Dangerous driver high on drugs, told gardai he was on way to child's party

Date
2020-12-04

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

James Maughan, 35, was arrested after a 30‑minute high‑speed pursuit in Dublin during which he drove while disqualified, intoxicated, and dangerously. He was found to have 13 stolen power tools worth €6,500 in his vehicle and tested positive for cannabis and cocaine. Maughan claimed he was heading to his child's birthday party. He pleaded guilty to possessing stolen goods, driving while intoxicated, driving without insurance, and two counts of dangerous driving. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment and a 15‑year driving disqualification. The judge cited his 160‑previous convictions, including dangerous driving, as an aggravating factor. Maughan's defence noted his severe psychotic disorder and ongoing treatment with the HSE. The stolen tools were largely returned to their owners.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dangerous driver high on drugs, told gardai he was on way to child's party. Charges or matters: one count of possessing stolen goods including a number of drills, nail guns and hammers at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on June 27 this year; one count of driving while intoxicated, one count of driving without insurance and two counts of dangerous driving at various locations in Dublin on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 27 Incident
2020-12-04 Publication

Case subjects

James Maughan

Defendant

Charges: one count of possessing stolen goods including a number of drills, nail guns and hammers at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on June 27 this year; one count of driving while intoxicated, one count of driving without insurance and two counts of dangerous driving at various locations in Dublin on the same date (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Sentencing Maughan today, Judge Melanie Greally noted he had been disqualified from driving for 10 years just three months before this incident. The judge handed down an 18-month jail sentence and disqualified Maughan from driving for 15 years.