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'Chance of a lifetime': suspended sentences for banned, serial driving offender were too lenient, State argues

Summary

The State has argued that the fully suspended sentences given to Jim Connors, a serial driving offender who caused a serious crash and later committed further offences, were too lenient. Connors, who had 36 previous convictions, including road traffic offences, was serving a six-year driving ban when he crashed into a taxi, leaving a passenger with serious injuries. He received a four-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and four-year suspended sentences for three counts of leaving the scene to escape liability. The sentences were concurrent and suspended for five years. The State also challenged a three-year suspended sentence for reckless endangerment, which occurred a month after the taxi crash. Connors had additional charges, including drug driving and driving without insurance. The State's counsel argued that the sentences were unduly lenient given the severity of the offences and Connors' disregard for court orders. Connors' defence highlighted his cooperation, mental health issues, and rehabilitation efforts. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision until December 1.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Chance of a lifetime': suspended sentences for banned, serial driving offender were too lenient, State argues. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• March 19, 2022 Other
• February 19, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 1 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-11-20 Publication

Why: For the three counts related to leaving the scene in order to escape liability, a sentence of four years suspended was handed down on each count. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report