Courts / Meath / Report

Criminal wrote off car wash by driving wrong way in friend's vehicle

Summary

Evan Clarke, 33, borrowed a friend's car and drove it the wrong way into a Circle K car wash on 10 November 2019, causing damage worth €57,408 and writing the facility off. He drove without a licence or insurance, with three passengers in the vehicle. Clarke pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving without a licence. He has 41 prior convictions, including assault, theft and drug offences. CCTV footage identified him, and a matching fingerprint was found on the car's bonnet. His defence cited significant drug and alcohol addiction, early cannabis use, mental health issues, ADHD and ASD, and supportive parents. The case was adjourned to 21 July for updated reports.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Criminal wrote off car wash by driving wrong way in friend's vehicle. Charges or matters: one count of criminal damage, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving without a driver's licence at Circle K, Hartstown, on November 10, 2019. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• November 10, 2019 Incident
• July 21 Adjournment
• 2025-04-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report