Courts / Dublin / Report

Delivery man drove with garda's arm trapped in window

Date
2016-05-10
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Danilo Rodriguez, 44, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Garda Niall Mulvaney. The incident occurred on June 10, 2015, when Rodriguez, after being directed to leave a bus lane, drove his van for 51 metres while a Garda's arm was trapped in the driver's window. The Garda was forced to run backwards as the vehicle moved at about 30 km/h. Sgt Anthony Collins reported that the Garda suffered nerve damage and tendinitis, remaining in pain and out of work for nine months. The court imposed a suspended two‑year prison sentence on Rodriguez, with the judge noting the Garda's fair treatment and Rodriguez's early guilty plea and remorse. The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew a dangerous driving charge that would have carried a mandatory driving ban. The case highlighted the Garda's injuries and the court's decision to suspend the custodial term.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Delivery man drove with garda's arm trapped in window. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Garda Niall Mulvaney at Westmoreland Street, Dublin on June 10, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: He said that the Director of Public Prosecutions was withdrawing a charge of dangerous driving because it came with a mandatory driving ban. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Danilo Rodriguez

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm to Garda Niall Mulvaney at Westmoreland Street, Dublin on June 10, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: After suspending a two year prison sentence Judge Martin Nolan said he was very impressed with the attitude taken by Sgt Collins and Gda Mulvaney towards Rodriguez.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Incident

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report

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