Courts / Dublin / Report
Teen joyrider (15) drove wrong way down motorway, broke garda's hand
Summary
The court heard that a 15‑year‑old driver of a stolen car caused a garda's hand to break while she tried to remove him from the vehicle during a pursuit. The teenager, now 16, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful use of a car, dangerous driving and damaging an official garda vehicle at locations along the M50 on 24 August 2023. Detective Garda Kate Gilligan described how the boy drove on the wrong side of the motorway, rammed a patrol car and repeatedly changed lanes, creating danger for himself and other road users. She said she would take a broken hand any day over the potential consequences. Judge Orla Crowe noted the boy's significant improvement and adjourned the case for six months to allow continued work, requesting an updated probation report. The boy apologized, cooperated with investigators, and has not reoffended since his release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen joyrider (15) drove wrong way down motorway, broke garda's hand. Charges or matters: reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful use of a car, dangerous driving, and damaging an official garda vehicle at south Dublin locations along the M50, on August 24, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 24, 2023 Incident
- 2024-11-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful use of a car, dangerous driving, and damaging an official garda vehicle at south Dublin locations along the M50, on August 24, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said the boy had matured in the past year, part of which he had spent in detention.
Places mentioned
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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