'Thrill seeker' who flipped car on M50 after garda chase jailed for two years

A 19-year-old man from Tallaght has been sentenced to two years in custody following two high-speed pursuits by gardaí within four months, including an incident in which his vehicle overturned on the M50. Josh Killeen pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of endangerment and possession of a stolen motorbike. In November 2024, Killeen was driving a stolen Honda Stream in convoy with another vehicle when gardaí attempted to stop both cars in the Shankill area. He drove against traffic on the M50, forcing gardaí to stand down. The vehicle collided with a kerb and flipped, trapping Killeen, who required extraction by emergency services. In January 2025, while on bail, he led gardaí on a second chase in a stolen van through Sallynoggin, again driving dangerously on the M50 before abandoning the vehicle. He was subsequently found hiding in thorn bushes and a knife was recovered from his possession. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged Killeen's remorse and family support but noted the serious danger posed and the resources expended.