Drove dangerously in Longford while three children slept in back of car

A man who took a vehicle without permission from its owner and proceeded to drive dangerously, endangering the lives of his three children asleep in the back seat, has been given two suspended prison sentences following an appearance at Longford District Court last week.

Andrew Daly (35) of Kinnycally, St Johnston, Donegal, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens with a number of charges.

Sgt Enda Daly, for the state, told the court that, on June 3, 2021, Mr Daly took the car without permission at Oakvale, Longford, and drove dangerously, resulting in a crash.

The court heard that Mr Daly was charged with intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct by driving a motor car in a dangerous manner while disqualified, colliding with a goal post while three children were present in the vehicle, which created “a substantial risk of death or serious harm” contrary to section 13 of the non-fatal offences against a person act 1997.

Mr Daly has 52 previous convictions which include theft, public order, driving without a licence, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance.

Solicitor for the defence, Bríd Mimnagh explained that her client and his partner had been fighting and that her client had been drinking. The three children were asleep in the car when the incident took place.

“He called the Gardaí himself,” said Ms Mimnagh, adding that Mr Daly and his partner were back together and “doing well” and that he was no longer drinking.

“It seems a miracle that nothing more serious happened,” said Judge Owens.

“Whatever about the disregard he was prepared to for his own life, but the total disregard for his family is appalling.”

However, she noted that the accused’s previous convictions “go back some time” and that his partner was prepared to come to court.

Mr Daly was convicted of driving without insurance and handed a three month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months on a bond of €250 and disqualified from driving for ten years.

For endangering the lives of his three children, Mr Daly was sentenced to four months in prison and this term was again suspended for 12 months.

Charges for driving without a licence and for taking his partner’s car were taken into consideration.