Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for car thief (21) who rammed level crossing barriers during chase

Date
2022-03-29
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Cian White, 21, of Corduff Park, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing a car in Northwood, Dublin 9, on June 26, 2020. He also admitted to dangerous driving and endangerment by ramming train barriers at Ashtown Level Crossing on the Navan Road while a train was imminent. Additionally, White pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car and possessing vice grips on August 8, 2021. Judge Melanie Greally imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years. She suspended the final 18 months of the term on strict conditions, requiring White to engage with alcohol and drug treatment for 18 months upon his release from prison. Consequently, he faces three and a half years of effective custody. The judge also disqualified White from driving for six years. The court noted White had 74 previous convictions and was already disqualified at the time of the offences. Judge Greally acknowledged his young age, expressed remorse, and difficult early life in foster care, while describing the driving as prolonged and intensely dangerous. The matter was finalised with this sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for car thief (21) who rammed level crossing barriers during chase. Charges or matters: stealing a car in Northwood, Dublin 9 on June 26, 2020; dangerous driving and endangerment by driving through train barriers while a train was imminent at Ashtown Level Crossing on the Navan Road, Dublin on the same date; allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car and being in possession of a vice grips on the date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Cian White

Defendant

Charges: stealing a car in Northwood, Dublin 9 on June 26, 2020; dangerous driving and endangerment by driving through train barriers while a train was imminent at Ashtown Level Crossing on the Navan Road, Dublin on the same date; allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car and being in possession of a vice grips on the date (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years but suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions including that he engage with alcohol and drug treatment for 18 months upon his release from prison. She also disqualified White from driving for six years.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Journey Or Route
Incident

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft

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