Driver’s U-turn to avoid garda check put the public in danger

Evan Byrne (21) had been disqualified from driving for four years a month earlier when he swerved dangerously in front of oncoming traffic as he saw the gardaí.

Byrne claimed he “panicked” due to his ban but “took a chance” the following month and was caught driving again.

He avoided jail when Judge Bryan Smyth gave him a three-month suspended sentence and banned him for another five years. He was also fined €1,400.

Byrne, a father-of-two of Cedarwood Place, Ridgewood, Swords admitted dangerous, uninsured and unlicensed driving.

Dublin District Court heard gardaí were operating a traffic checkpoint at Poppintree Park, Ballymun on February 16, 2023.

Two gardaí were standing on the footpath observing approaching cars when Byrne swung out in front of oncoming traffic and did a U-turn without observing other vehicles or pedestrians.

When gardaí stopped Byrne, he became highly aggressive and abusive towards them. A demand was made for his licence and insurance and it transpired he had been given a four-year disqualification in January.

On March 10, gardaí on patrol at Dane Road, Ballymun saw Byrne driving the same car. Again, he was stopped and it was established that he was driving under a ban.

Byrne had 13 previous convictions including two for uninsured driving and two for having no licence.

He panicked when he saw the gardaí in the first incident, his solicitor Holly Laher said.

He understood what he did was wrong and that he put the public in danger. In the second incident, he took a chance by driving again and accepted it was a foolish thing to do.

Byrne, who worked in construction, knew he was facing “a large ban” and Ms Laher asked the judge not to impose a custodial sentence.

Byrne said the car he was driving was his own.

“You took a chance driving with no insurance, it’s a serious offence,” the judge told the accused.

“You put pedestrians and other drivers at risk by means of your dangerous driving.”

The judge suspended the three-month sentence for a year on condition the accused undertakes a road safety course.

“You are getting a chance now, Mr Byrne, a suspended sentence is hanging over you,” Judge Smyth added.