Car chase lasted 50km

A disqualified driver was pursued by gardaí for 50km, a chase which only ended when he collided with a ditch, Drogheda court has heard.

The defendant, Seán Carroll (24), Rhue, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, pleaded guilty to sixteen counts of dangerous driving and other charges arising out of the incident which occurred last October.

He is presently serving a sentence for another matter and has a release date at the end of next May.

Sgt Ray Brady gave evidence that at 9.30pm on 21 October, 2018, Carroll was observed by gardaí behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo at the junction of Trinity Street and Ashfield.

Aware of his driving record, they went after him but he failed to stop throughout a 50km pursuit. After colliding with a ditch, he couldn’t go any further. He admitted driving while disqualified.

Judge Coughlan adjourned the case for reports to 10 January, 2020. He said he is considering a sentence of 240 hours community service or five months in jail.

A ten-year disqualification for no insurance was imposed. Other charges were taken into consideration.