Teen who drove jeep into garda locked up

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving and unauthorised use of a vehicle at Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot, on October 3, 2011.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the youth had eight cans of lager, vodka and tablets. He told gardai he was so drunk on the night that he had no memory of driving at speed towards Garda Linda Bury.

Spared

Garda Bury suffered a head wound requiring nine staples and had severe tissue damage to her left leg. She is still receiving medical treatment.

Garda Bury stayed conscious during the ordeal and was spared further injury because the jeep struck a ball of roots at the base of a tree.

A garda colleague got into the jeep, which had been stolen in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on September 10, and reversed it after the driver had jumped out.

Garda Sean White told Derek Cooney, prosecuting, that they had received reports that night revealing plans to attack gardai in Ballyfermot.

Judge Carmel Stewart sentenced the youth to three-and-a-half years in detention for reckless endangerment, with two-and-a-half years suspended.

The teenager has been directed to keep the peace and comply with probation services for 2.5 years once he has served 12 months' detention.

The accused has five previous convictions, including one for damaging property and another for being a passenger in a stolen car.

The court heard the teen had sold his horse to help raise €720 which he offered to the court as a token of his remorse.

Judge Stewart said this offer of compensation was inappropriate in light of the gravity of the offence.

hnews@herald.ie