Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge rejects claim that ADHD caused motorist to jump carpark barrier

Date
2026-04-15
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A judge has rejected a claim that ADHD caused a man to become so flustered when he lost his parking ticket that he attempted to tailgate another car to get through a barrier. Dean Carey (36) pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a barrier at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, on March 21 last. Sergeant Caoimhe Conroy told the court that Carey attempted to exit the car park by tailgating another vehicle, which resulted in damage to the barrier. Defence solicitor Patricia Camilon argued that Carey's ADHD caused him to become flustered and that he was under pressure as he was trying to get to his daughter's birthday. However, Judge Anne Watkin did not accept that ADHD explained the behaviour and said that becoming so flustered that a person behaves in this way raises concerns about judgment when driving. She rejected the explanation as a justification for attempting to leave the car park without paying. The judge fined Carey €400 with six months to pay and adjourned the case to April 28 next.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge rejects claim that ADHD caused motorist to jump carpark barrier. Charges or matters: criminal damage to a barrier at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, on March 21 last. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Dean Carey

Defendant

Charges: criminal damage to a barrier at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, on March 21 last (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She added that he should have brought the money into court ready to pay compensation for the damage and said she would adjourn the finalisation of the sentence until he had done so.; She added that he should have brought the money into court ready to pay compensation for the damage and said she would adjourn the finalisation of the sentence until he had done so.

Places mentioned

Residence
Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dún Laoghaire District Court

Topics

Stage Sentence

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