Courts / Dublin / Report
Banned driver put lives in danger in city centre chase
Summary
A judge sentenced Leon Griffin, 30, to three years imprisonment and a five‑year driving ban after he drove recklessly through red lights and on the wrong side of the road in Dublin's city centre. Garda Gavin Keenan testified that Griffin suddenly pulled out of traffic and began a six‑minute high‑speed chase, reacting to Keenan's patrol car while under a five‑year ban. Griffin's defence barrister Keith Spencer said the driver was aware of Keenan's knowledge and drove erratically, nearly colliding with traffic, breaking two sets of red lights, rear‑ending a vehicle on Thomas Street, and crashing into a bike stand. Griffin pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and criminal damage on 23 February 2019. The judge noted his prior convictions, including careless driving in 2015, and imposed the sentence and ban. The court heard that no one was physically hurt.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Banned driver put lives in danger in city centre chase. Charges or matters: a number of charges of reckless endangerment and criminal damage at locations in the city on February 23, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 23, 2019 Incident
- 2021-03-11 Publication
Why: Griffin's defence barrister Keith Spencer BL told the court that Griffin reacted when he saw Gda Keenan in a patrol car because he was driving the car while under a five-year driving ban. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a number of charges of reckless endangerment and criminal damage at locations in the city on February 23, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan said that Griffin was driving without insurance and while disqualified and he endangered the life of people in the area. He sentenced Griffin to three years imprisonment and imposed a five year driving ban.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- On Thomas Street
- Iveagh Trust Buildings Kevin Street
- Dublin city
Topics
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