‘Out of control’ Louth man (31) drove stolen car at Gardaí before fleeing across border

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 31-year-old “out of control” man who drove a stolen car at Gardaí and escaped across the border after he committed a series of other offending in North Louth has been jailed.

Stephen McDonagh, of Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, Dundalk at the time, was apprehended a month later when he was behind the wheel of another vehicle which had been stolen in Northern Ireland.

Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to a total of 6 years and nine months, the final two years suspended, and backdated to when he went into custody on these matters on February 7, 2024.

The defendant, who has 248 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary, endangerment, unauthorised taking, damage to property and other charges in the Ravensdale area on January 3, 2024. He was also charged with multiple counts of dangerous driving.

On the following February 6 at 4.02am a Land Rover Defender was stolen in Bessbrook, Co. Armagh.

Gardaí spotted it at 11.50am in Bridge Street, Dundalk and identified the accused inside. He attempted to flee and was arrested.

He was “highly aggressive” in custody. He spat blood on the face and body of one officer and on the clothing and body of a second.

Two assault charges from that offending were among others taken into consideration by the circuit court.

In a separate incident the day before the Ravensdale offending, Stephen McDonagh was identified from CCTV after taking two mobile phones from handbags at the Gift & Art Gallery, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. He pleaded guilty to stealing a €400 mobile phone.

Two additional Victim Impact Statements were available at an adjourned sentence hearing.

One man whose car was taken said that his insurance had doubled to €1,800.

He had to commute to work and told of the stress of multiple calls to his insurance company.

“I’m getting punished for something I didn’t do.”

Another victim detailed the invasion of their property and privacy. The defendant had peeped in their window.

The family had to invest in fencing, cameras and trained dogs because of what occurred.

Counsel for Mr McDonagh, a separated father of twins, said that he was “out of control” and had little recollection of events.

He was free of drugs and when out of jail he wanted to work with cars.

Judge Dara Hayes, passing sentence, said that to spit was “a vile and disgusting act” and to spit blood was even more reprehensible with a risk of infection.

The defendant displayed a particular disregard for the law. He was disqualified from driving at the time.

In a probation report he appeared to display little remorse, apart from the assaults.

In custody he had six P19s (for breaches of prison rules). One of 9 children, he had been assessed at high risk of reoffending.

Judge Hayes continued that four victim impact statements were before the court, all outlining a significant impact.

Mr McDonagh, who appeared via video link, upon his release must undergo 18 months’ Probation Service supervision.

He was disqualified from driving for 10 years.

After asking the court if he was finished, Stephen McDonagh said, “I’m sorry for all my actions” as he left the booth.