Motorist sped away from gardaí after damaging unmarked patrol car in Louth

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 32-year-old man who damaged an unmarked Garda car as he drove off at speed, has avoided a disqualification after the district court accepted his plea of guilty to a lesser charge.

Evidence was given that Seán Kiernan got away from gardaí during an incident in Dundalk. He was apprehended three months later when his car was spotted in Carlingford.

The defendant, of Fairyhill Road, Newry, was accused of dangerous driving and causing criminal damage.

Gda Ashley McEvoy testified that on February 25, 2022, at 5.15pm he was in an unmarked patrol vehicle when he saw a red Audi parked outside a residence at Dowdalls Crescent, Newry Road, Dundalk.

He pulled alongside and spoke to the driver who gestured that he was getting his driving licence.

However, this car then drove off at speed, making slight contact with the Garda car.

Gda McEvoy continued that the Audi travelled out of the estate at speed without indicating or slowing and escaped.

The officer said that on the following May 18 he became aware that the offending car was in Carlingford. There, he recognised the driver as the accused.

Under caution, Mr Kiernan denied it was him. He was arrested.

Gda McEvoy added that at the time of the original incident it was dry and light. From a standing start the defendant wouldn’t have built up a “massive speed”. No repairs were necessary to the Garda vehicle.

Judge Michael Ramsey accepted the careless driving plea and heard that there were no previous convictions.

Barrister Pearse Collins, instructed by Madden & Finucane Solicitors, said that Mr Kiernan was deeply remorseful.

He was from a good family, involved in Killean GFC and earned €700 per-week as an electrician’s labourer in Dublin.

At the time of this he was engaging with a “bad group of peers” from whom he had distanced himself.

Judge Ramsey fined him €500 for careless driving. The criminal damage charge was taken into consideration.

Legal aid was granted and the court certified for counsel.