Serial driving offender claims he was under threat from nephew

A 36-year-old Dublin man pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance following a high-speed chase through west Dublin on 27 February 2020. The incident began in a Blanchardstown shopping centre car park, where the defendant drove directly at a garda who was forced to jump aside. He subsequently drove at speed through residential areas including Mulhuddart, driving on the wrong side of the road and through red traffic lights on a busy junction. Gardaí abandoned the pursuit due to the serious risk posed to the public. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defendant claimed his nephew, who was in the vehicle, threatened him with a Taser and compelled him to drive. The court heard he has 174 previous convictions, including ten for dangerous driving, 23 for driving uninsured, and 21 for driving without a licence. A previous driving ban imposed by Cavan District Court in 2018 remains in effect. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned sentencing to 14 February 2022 pending a Probation Service assessment.