Monaghan driver grabbed pedestrian’s phone under the misapprehension he was being recorded

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 28 year old man who grabbed a phone from a pedestrian and drove off injuring him as he tried to get it back, has received a two-year suspended sentence at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Ryan Sharkey, Castle House, The Diamond, Clones, Co. Monaghan pleaded guilty to a charge of endangerment stemming from the incident in Ardee, Co. Louth, on August 14, 2022.

He has no previous convictions and on this occasion was under the misapprehension that he was being recorded.

The defendant previously paid €5,000 restitution, while a reference and letter of apology were submitted.

The victim was walking home with his phone in his hand after being out socialising when he became aware of someone shouting at him from a car.

Mr Sharkey did a U-turn and followed him. The other man became concerned and rang Gardaí who heard the accused shouting, then sounds of a scuffle before the phone went dead.

Evidence was given the man reached inside the car to get his phone back. The driver tried to close the door on his hand.

The victim let go of the door and the car sped off. He fell to the ground, injuring his elbows and knees.

It was accepted that he made a full recovery. He had been shocked and in fear but did not wish to make a Victim Impact Statement.

Judge Dara Hayes said there was no rational explanation for what the defendant did. Something got into his head to abuse and attack the other man.

The vehicle had been used as a weapon. Thankfully, not more serious injuries were caused.

It was an unprovoked incident when Ryan Sharkey was driving while intoxicated.

The case had been adjourned pending a district court hearing for drink and dangerous driving offences for which he was given a three-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, and a four-year disqualification.

Judge Hayes said the offending appeared to have been out of character.

A two-year sentence was imposed, suspended for two years, along with a five-year driving disqualification.