Courts / Dublin / Report
Young driver hit speeds of 140km/h on suburban streets
Summary
Joshua Bennet, 21, was given a suspended three‑year prison sentence after a high‑speed chase in which he drove up to 140 km/h on suburban streets around Blanchardstown and Dublin 15. He refused to stop when ordered by Gardaí, drove the wrong way around roundabouts, ran a red light, and drove onto footpaths, forcing pedestrians to flee. The chase lasted about 15–20 minutes and ended when Bennet skidded after a sharp left. He pleaded guilty to five endangerment charges and one dangerous driving charge. At sentencing, Judge Martin Nolan described his conduct as "appalling" and "extraordinarily reckless", noting he had not hit or injured anyone. Bennet was ordered to keep the peace, be of good behaviour for three years, and was disqualified from driving for six years. He tested negative for drugs and alcohol. The court considered his youth and lack of prior convictions in suspending the sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young driver hit speeds of 140km/h on suburban streets. Charges or matters: five charges of endangerment and one count of dangerous driving on May 2, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2, 2022 Incident
- 2023-03-17 Publication
Why: Joshua Bennet (21), who has no previous convictions, was trying to avoid the gardaí because he had no insurance, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: five charges of endangerment and one count of dangerous driving on May 2, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a sentence hearing on Thursday Judge Martin Nolan described Bennet's behaviour as "appalling" and "extraordinarily reckless". "He endangered dozens of people and he didn't stop until he lost control of the vehicle and the garda took him out of the car," Judge Nolan said. Judge Nolan said he was suspending a three-year prison sentence on the basis of Bennet's youth and his lack of any other criminal conviction.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- was tested at the garda station
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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