Wicklow man who rammed patrol car in Wexford before driving the wrong way down a one-way street avoids jail
Wexford PeopleA Wicklow man who engaged in dangerous driving, drug offences and fraud has been given a suspended prison sentence at Gorey District Court.
Conor Breslin (26) of Ballinacore, Tinahely, Wicklow, appeared before the court, where he pleaded guilty to a number of charges, with Judge John Cheatle presiding.
Garda Sergeant Daly told the court that on October 26, 2023, a search was carried out at Breslin’s home, during which cocaine valued at approximately €2,394 was discovered. During interview, Breslin admitted he was holding the drugs for another person in order to repay a drug debt.
Breslin was also charged with a fraud offence having used a counterfeit cheque on January 7, 2023 at The Gap Pub, Gorey, causing the pub to be at a loss of €630.
The accused was also before the court on multiple charges of dangerous driving. On January 25, 2023 Garda Newman observed Breslin driving at Main Street, Gorey. At the time there was heavy traffic and the accused opted to drive around the garda patrol car causing a member of An Garda Síochána to jump out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. The accused continued driving and turned down a one-way side street travelling in the incorrect direction.
On another occasion at Kevin Street, Tinahely, the accused was observed driving causing gardaí to activate the blue lights prompting Breslin to abandon the car and flee on foot. Gardaí conducted a search of the vehicle where they discovered €600 of cannabis, along with various tablets.
Breslin subsequently returned to the vehicle. Garda Newman attempted to open the passenger door, which was locked, while the garda was holding the door handle the accused drove backwards and forwards taking Garda Newman with the vehicle. A garda patrol car blocked the pathway of the accused which Breslin rammed, causing €4,000 worth of damage. In an attempt to evade gardaí Breslin then reversed his car hitting a parked vehicle.
On December 31, 2023, Breslin handed himself into a garda station in relation to the incidents and later made admissions, accepting responsibility for the drugs found.
The court heard that Breslin has two previous convictions, including one for dangerous driving at Arklow District Court in 2022, which had been reduced to careless driving.
Counsel for the accused, Andrew Butler BL, highlighted to the court that Breslin had paid compensation to the Gap Pub in connection with the counterfeit cheque. The barrister informed the court that the defendant had since moved to the West of Ireland in an effort to get away from the issues surrounding him in his hometown and has put this type of behaviour behind him.
Judge Cheatle imposed a two year driving disqualification in connection with the dangerous driving offences, along with an eight month prison sentence suspended for 12 months on the condition that Breslin enter into a 12 month probation supervision bond.