Courts / Dublin / Report

E-bike rider who forced garda to 'basically clothesline' him has conviction downgraded, ban lifted on appeal

Date
2026-05-14

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Ballymun

County
Dublin

Summary

An e-bike rider, Carl Tyrell, who forced a garda to restrain him on a footpath in Ballymun, had his conviction for dangerous driving downgraded to careless driving and his driving ban lifted on appeal. Tyrell was fined €300 and given a two-year disqualification for dangerous driving and no insurance. He appealed, arguing that the conviction was too severe. The garda testified that Tyrell was speeding on the footpath, forcing the officer to jump aside and restrain him. Tyrell's lawyer asked for the charge to be reduced, and Judge Ronan Munro agreed, reducing the charge to careless driving and lifting the disqualification. The judge also dismissed the no insurance charge under the Probation of Offenders Act. Tyrell was placed on a bond for three years with conditions not to ride a bike or motorbike faster than 25km/h. The judge described the incident as an outrage but acknowledged the need for Tyrell to have his licence for his job.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: E-bike rider who forced garda to 'basically clothesline' him has conviction downgraded, ban lifted on appeal. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When: