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Judge commends bravery of garda dragged by car

Summary

In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Pauline Codd praised Garda Fergus Holly's bravery after he was dragged and run over by a car driven by Clive Sweeney, 37, who was attempting to flee from Dundrum Town Centre. Sweeney, who had 85 prior convictions and was on bail, pleaded guilty to endangerment and failing to stop. Holly sustained bruising and a permanent finger injury. The judge noted Sweeney's reckless driving, his guilty plea, remorse, and personal circumstances, including drug addiction. She imposed a four‑year sentence, suspending the final year on the condition of one year of probation supervision, and a ten‑year driving ban. The incident involved a blue Fiat Bravo that had been used in a theft at Snow and Rock earlier that month. The judge commended Holly for his courage and acknowledged the aggravating factor that Sweeney knew Holly was a garda.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge commends bravery of garda dragged by car. Charges or matters: endangerment and failing to stop at Dundrum Town Centre on January 05, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 05, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 3, 2020 Incident
• January 5 Incident
• January 21, 2020 Incident
• 2020-12-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report