Courts / Dublin / Report

Serial car-jacker identified on live stream

Date
2025-12-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Rathfarnham

County
Dublin

Summary

A serial car-jacker, Shane Ward, was jailed for three and a half years after being identified through a live-stream of his crimes. Ward, who has 63 previous convictions, committed two car-jackings in Dublin, with the second occurring shortly after his release on bail. During the first incident, Ward and his accomplices approached a couple in a parked car, claiming to be gardai, and stole their vehicle. The second incident involved a taxi driver on Dame Street, where Ward assaulted the driver and stole the vehicle. The court heard that Ward was clearly identifiable in the live-stream footage. The victims described the emotional and physical impact of the crimes, with the taxi driver suffering lasting trauma and financial loss. Ward's defense highlighted his difficult upbringing and current efforts in addiction counseling. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and imposed a five and a half year sentence with two years suspended on strict conditions. Shane Ward pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial car-jacker identified on live stream. Charges or matters: two counts of seizing control of a vehicle at locations in Dublin on March 23 and March 30, last. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 23 Incident
March 30 Incident
March 30, 2025 Incident
2025-12-15 Publication

Case subjects

Shane Ward

Defendant

Charges: two counts of seizing control of a vehicle at locations in Dublin on March 23 and March 30, last (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He asked the court to structure a sentence to give Ward something to work towards so he will not return before the courts. The judge noted traumatic events in Ward's past which he had tried to deal with in "a maladaptive way" with drugs and alcohol, taking his frustrations out on those around him and "on society itself." Judge Codd imposed a five and a half year sentence and suspended the final two years on strict conditions, including two years' probation supervision post-release.