Ex-GAA star spent nine out of his 21-month sentence in prison for driving over cyclist
A serial offending ex-Donegal GAA star who was banned from driving when he broke a red light and ran over a cyclist, causing injuries so severe she had to be placed into an induced coma, was released from an open prison after spending just nine months of his 21-month sentence in custody, the Court of Appeal has heard.
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Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Mechanic drove into Garda car inside GAA club grounds after high speed chase, court told
The court was told how the vehicle appeared to be trying to capture the attention of gardaí who were on patrol at the time by stopping in the middle of the road and recording officers on a mobile phone. Conor McPhillips led gardaí on a high speed chase across Monaghan in a pursuit that ended in a GAA club grounds. A mechanic went 'buck mad' when he led gardaí on a high speed chase before turning and driving into a garda patrol car inside the grounds of a GAA club, a court has heard. Conor McPhillips (32) Kincorragh, Smithborough, Co Monaghan was eventually stopped after his attempts to give gardaí the slip moments after entering the vicinity of Tyholland GAA ended in failure during the early hours of July 21 last year. McPhillips appeared at a sitting of Monaghan District Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, no insurance, refusing to provide a specimen to gardaí and of having no driving licence in place in the wake of the incident. Conor McPhillips on the steps of Monaghan Courthouse. Sgt Lisa McEntee outlined how gardaí had been drawn to the movements of a VW Passat shortly before 4am after it was spotted being driven in an erratic manner. The court was told how the vehicle appeared to be trying to capture the attention of gardaí who were on patrol at the time by stopping in the middle of the road and recording officers on a mobile phone. Moments later, the vehicle proceeded out the N2 and towards Emyvale where its driver failed to stop despite attempts by gardaí to signal to its driver to pull in. As the VW Passat continued towards Emyvale, gardaí temporarily lost sight of the vehicle before noticing it then travelling behind the patrol car minutes later. The same vehicle carried out what was described in court as a 'dangerous' overtaking manoeuvre by crossing a number of traffic islands in the Gortmoney area of the county. As gardaí set off in pursuit of the vehicle once more, its driver undertook a second dangerous overtake a short time later before it was spotted circling around a roundabout 'numerous times' as it made off in the direction of Tyholland. It was there, the court was told McPhillips entered the grounds of Tyholland GAA with gardaí following in hot pursuit. Conor McPhillips on the steps of Monaghan Courthouse. Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 13 2025 Sgt McEntee said it was at that stage, gardaí observed the accused turn his vehicle and drive directly into the garda patrol car, causing damage to its front bumper in the process. Judge Raymond Finnegan was informed how McPhillips proceeded to drive around the outside perimeter of the Monaghan club side's pitch before he subsequently exited the vehicle and was arrested. Defence solicitor Martin Cosgrove described his client's actions as a 'big outing for a first outing' in light of his lack of any previous convictions. 'He has no real explanation and just went buck mad that night,' said Mr Cosgrove as he handed in €400 on behalf of McPhillips for the damage that was caused to the garda patrol car. The local solicitor insisted that while there was no damage inflicted upon the pitch or gates of Tyholland GAA which McPhillips rammed during the course of the chase, it was conceded his 'cooperation wasn't great' with gardaí when he was brought to a local garda station following his arrest. 'This is worthy of a prison sentence,' replied a visibly irritated Judge Finnegan as he ordered McPhillips to spend a spell in the holding cells of Monaghan Courthouse while he considered his verdict. When the accused was brought back up shortly before lunchtime, McPhillips said that experience was one he did not wish to encounter anytime soon again. 'How would you like nine or ten months in it because from what I heard this morning you deserve it for the way you conducted yourself,' said Judge Finnegan. McPhillips responded by insisting his actions on the night of the incident were 'completely out of character', something which drew a terse response from Judge Finnegan. 'Do you know how many times I have heard that in here? Everything is out of character when you end up in the court,' he said. McPhillips was consequently fined €500 for one of the dangerous driving charges and banned from driving for two years, as well as being fined €500 for the section 12 refusal alongside an accompanying four year ban. A €350 fine, meanwhile, was also handed down for driving without insurance. In 'taking into consideration' the no driving licence charge and criminal damage charge given the €400 compensation which was handed in earlier, Judge Finnegan told the 32-year-old: 'You are a very lucky man Mr McPhillips.' In the aftermath of that ruling, Mr Cosgrove applied for a brief postponement to McPhillips' disqualification in view of the fact he lived at home with his parents and was presently bringing his mother to medical appointments for treatment to a shoulder injury. Those overtures, however, fell on deaf ears as Judge Finnegan insisted his client needed to recognise the error of his ways. 'No, I won't do it (postpone driving ban),' he said. 'Let him pay for a taxi as he needs to take responsibility.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown wanted for attempted murder after brawl and shooting at fight night event
EX-NFL star Antonio Brown is facing a charge of attempted murder following a brawl and shooting that unfolded at a celebrity boxing event. The former Super Bowl champion is accused of punching a man and opening fire. Advertisement 3 An arrest warrant has been put out for the former NFL star Antonio Brown Credit: Getty Brown is accused of punching a man before snatching a gun from a security guard, as reported by He then apparently charged toward the man who he had allegedly assaulted, according to the arrest warrant. The man claimed he was shot twice by the former football star and said he suffered a grazed neck. Brown claimed that he was jumped at the event, which was hosted by the influencer Adin Ross, and said people tried to steal his jewelry. Advertisement The warrant was issued by cops in Miami-Dade, Florida. He is ordered to pay a $10,000 bond before being subjected to house arrest. Footage went viral that showed the sports star brawling. Following the scuffle, Brown appeared to come from behind a car and was armed with a gun. Advertisement Most read in American Football Exclusive Latest Exclusive In the video, Brown could be seen charging at a group and gunshots were heard. Rumors circulated that Brown had been arrested, but he claimed he was only detained by cops. "I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me," he posted on social media. "Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. Advertisement "I went home that night and was not arrested." 'BLEW MY CASH' Before the chaos unfolded, Brown had appeared on a livestream hosted by Ross. Brown spent 12 years playing in the NFL , but has been embroiled in legal and financial issues. In February, the ex-wide receiver filed for bankruptcy after splurging his career earnings. Advertisement During an appearance on the Nelk Boys podcast, he revealed he made around $100 million over the course of his career. "I blew all of my money . I blew everything," he admitted. Brown was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers side that clinched the Super Bowl LV title. The Florida team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs at the blockbuster event in Tampa, Florida. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Brown starred for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots during his career. He was named in the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team and starred in the seven Pro Bowls . 3 Brown in action for the Pittsburgh Steelers Credit: Getty 3 Brown appeared shirtless in an Adin Ross Kick stream before the chaos unfolded Credit: Adin Ross/Kick Advertisement
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Ex-Premier League star facing 13 YEARS in prison after being accused of smuggling TWO TONNES of cocaine
FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam is facing THIRTEEN YEARS in jail - after being accused of smuggling two tonnes of cocaine. And the ex- 3 Ex- Premier League ace Ronnie Stam is facing 13 years in jail 3 Ex-Wigan ace Stam is being accused of smuggling two tonnes of cocaine 3 Stam is on trial alongside his brother Rudi He played in their FA Cup-winning campaign of 2013, but missed the final against Manchester City before leaving for Standard Liege that year. But the now-retired player appeared in a Dutch court on Tuesday alongside his brother Rudi, 43. The trial at Breda heard that the brothers transported cocaine from South America to the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021. Read More on Football Prosecutors said evidence of drug shipments was found in encrypted phone chats between Ronnie and Rudi. Photos of blocks of cocaine were reportedly seen among the duo's messages. The public prosecutor called for Stam to be imprisoned until 2038, and fined Є1.7m, for his part in the alleged crimes. Meanwhile, brother Rudi is facing over six years in jail, plus an identical fine, if found guilty. Most read in Football Stam told the court that he has been involved in a 20 kilo shipment to Germany in 2020, but denied any further involvement in the drug trade. The Breda-born former defender claimed the money in his bank accounts had come from his football career. Stam won the Dutch title with FC Twente in 2010, under ex- He has been in custody since first being arrested last June. The trial continues.
