Courts / Dublin / Report
Drunk man drove car on to bonfire before assaulting three gardai
Summary
Darren McKevitt, 26, of Walkinstown, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to arson of a car, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, driving without insurance, three counts of assault, possession of a stolen Toyota Avensis, a PSV certificate, an Irish driving licence and insurance certificate, and unlawful possession of a stun gun. The offences occurred between October and November 2014, including a bonfire incident on Halloween where he drove a car into a bonfire, jumped out, and assaulted three gardaí on Durrow Road, Crumlin. Blood tests showed he was five times over the alcohol limit. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a five‑year sentence, back‑dated to November 2014, with the balance suspended, and ordered continued work with probation officers, drug rehabilitation and employment training. The court noted McKevitt had nine previous convictions, including drug possession for sale or supply. The case was prosecuted by Monika Leech BL and defended by Libby Charlton BL.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk man drove car on to bonfire before assaulting three gardai. Charges or matters: arson of a car, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without insurance and three counts of assault at Durrow Road, Crumlin on October 31, 2014; possessing a stolen Toyota Avensis, PSV certificate, Irish driving license and insurance certificate and unlawful possession of a stun gun all at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght on November 24, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 31, 2014 Incident
- November 24, 2014 Incident
- November 2014 Incident
- 2016-07-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: arson of a car, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without insurance and three counts of assault at Durrow Road, Crumlin on October 31, 2014; possessing a stolen Toyota Avensis, PSV certificate, Irish driving license and insurance certificate and unlawful possession of a stun gun all at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght on November 24, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today she imposed a sentence of five years, backdated to November 2014, and suspended the balance.
Places mentioned
- St Peter's Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Durrow Road
- Crumlin
- Cushlawn Park
- Tallaght
- and taken to Crumlin Garda Station
- Crumlin
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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