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Suspended sentence for man who fled Covid checkpoint and later led gardai on 200km/h chase
Summary
Alex Almajanu, 23, received a fully suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to endangerment, two breaches of Covid regulations, dangerous driving, not holding a driver's license, and criminal damage on the basis of recklessness committed on April 25, 2020. The offences involved fleeing a checkpoint in County Clare and subsequently leading gardaí on a high-speed chase across the midlands, which included driving at 200 km/hr and causing over €13,000 in damage to a patrol car. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as "deplorable" and noted that public resources were expended during a national crisis. While acknowledging the defendant's mitigation, including his recovery from drug addiction and role as a father, the judge stated the offences warranted a headline sentence of three years. She imposed a sentence of two years and three months, suspending the entire term for three years on the condition that Almajanu engage with the Probation Service for 12 months. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for five years. Defence counsel highlighted that the defendant was under the influence of drugs at the time but is now drug-free and caring for his infant daughter.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for man who fled Covid checkpoint and later led gardai on 200km/h chase. Charges or matters: endangerment, two breaches of covid regulations, dangerous driving, not holding a driver's license and criminal damage on the basis of recklessness on April 25, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 25, 2020 Incident
- 2023-11-07 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: endangerment, two breaches of covid regulations, dangerous driving, not holding a driver's license and criminal damage on the basis of recklessness on April 25, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A man who took off at speed from a Covid checkpoint during lockdown was involved in a "deplorable" 200km/hr high speed chase with armed gardaí on the same day has been given a fully suspended sentence. She said the offences warranted a headline sentence of three years before she imposed a sentence of two years and three months having taken into account his mitigation.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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