Courts / Dublin / Report
Teenage driver of stolen car broke garda's hand during struggle
Summary
A 15-year-old driver, now 18, broke a garda's hand during a struggle as he was being removed from a stolen car during a high-speed chase on the M50. The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when the teenager drove dangerously, including on the wrong side of the motorway and ramming a patrol car. The garda, Detective Garda Kate Gilligan, described the danger posed to road users and herself during the pursuit. The defendant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, assault, and damaging a garda vehicle. Judge Orla Crowe noted the danger of the driving and commended the gardai for their evidence. The judge imposed suspended custodial sentences of 18 months and required the defendant to engage with the Probation Service. The garda sustained two broken bones in her hand and was out of work for 11 weeks. The defendant expressed remorse and cooperated with gardai, though he claimed he did not steal the car. His legal team highlighted his maturity and cooperation with the investigation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teenage driver of stolen car broke garda's hand during struggle. 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
- 2026-01-12 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: She imposed concurrent custodial sentences of 18 months which she suspended on condition that the defendant keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request