Courts / Dublin / Report
Young Australian avoids jail after trying to ram gardaí during chase
Summary
Adam O'Mara, aged 20 and resident in County Louth, received a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a high-speed pursuit on the N1 Motorway near Drogheda on 8 February 2012. O'Mara pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a stolen white Toyota Dyna, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. During the 40-minute chase, the then 17-year-old attempted to ram a garda vehicle on four occasions whilst weaving through traffic and overtaking dangerously. He also threw objects from the vehicle before it came to a stop due to mechanical failure. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a two-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, wholly suspended, and disqualified him from driving for four years. In mitigation, the court noted O'Mara's completion of a welding course and his engagement with drug treatment services since the offence. He was ordered to comply with probation supervision and maintain good behaviour for the period of the suspended sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young Australian avoids jail after trying to ram gardaí during chase. Charges or matters: unlawful use of a white Toyota Dyna, dangerous driving and driving with no insurance on N1 Motorway Drogheda on February 8, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 8, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-02-06 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: unlawful use of a white Toyota Dyna, dangerous driving and driving with no insurance on N1 Motorway Drogheda on February 8, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced O'Mara to two and a half years in prison but suspended it fully after noting that he seems to have taken steps to deal with his drug misuse. Judge Ring disqualified O'Mara from driving for four years and ordered him to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two and a half years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft
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