Courts / Dublin / Report

Gardai believed e-scooter rider on wrong side of road in city centre was smoking cannabis

Summary

Sean Friel, a 37-year-old e-scooter rider, had his jail term for obstruction suspended on appeal, though his conviction was upheld. Friel was observed riding against traffic in Dublin City Centre while smoking a suspected joint. Gardai attempted to stop him, detecting a strong smell of cannabis and believing he had a joint in his mouth. Friel fled, but no CCTV footage was found to corroborate the gardai's account. Friel's defence argued that the gardai failed to preserve evidence and did not inform him of the penalties for non-compliance. The court accepted the gardai's evidence, finding Friel had fled upon seeing them. Friel claimed he did not have a joint and that a foot pursuit did not occur. Judge Christopher Callan suspended the four-month sentence for 18 months, noting Friel's efforts to turn his life around and his improved health.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai believed e-scooter rider on wrong side of road in city centre was smoking cannabis. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• February 1, 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-04-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report