Courts / Dublin / Report

Drunk man drove car on to bonfire before assaulting three gardai

Date
2016-07-01
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Crumlin
County
Dublin

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:

Case subjects

Darren McKevitt

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

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Incident
Journey Or Route
Garda Station
  • and taken to Crumlin Garda Station
  • Crumlin

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request