3 days ago
Man drove off at speed from Youghal gardaí during time when group 'treated him as a patsy'
A man who drove off from gardaí at speed in East Cork has been handed a lengthy driving disqualification after pleading guilty to dangerous driving at a recent sitting of Youghal District Court.
Jack Sweetnam, aged 23 of Ardsallagh, Co Waterford, pleaded guilty to multiple charges relating to three separate incidents that occurred in Youghal, Co Cork, in March and April of 2025.
Court presenter Sergeant Majella O'Sullivan told the court that the first incident occurred on March 15, 2025 when a patrol stopped Mr Sweetnam at North Main Street where the vehicle he was driving did not have valid tax, insurance or NCT disks displayed and was subsequently seized.
The court was told that on April 16, 2025, Mr Sweetnam was stopped at Woodland Grove in Youghal at 11pm. A smell of cannabis was apparent and following a search he was found to be in possession of two cannabis joints which he admitted were his. On that occasion Mr Sweetnam did not have a valid driver's licence or motor insurance.
Sgt O'Sullivan said that Mr Sweetnam was observed driving again on April 23 at Foxhole in Youghal. When gardaí attempted to pull him over he 'drove off at speed' in the opposite direction.
He ignored garda sirens and blue lights and the decision was taken not to pursue him for the safety of other road users who had to take evasive action.
Sentencing
Defence solicitor James Moore said that his client made full admissions and was co-operative with the gardaí. He said that all of the offending took place within a five-week period during which his client had 'come under the influence of a group who treated him as a patsy'.
He said that Mr Sweetnam had not been in trouble before or since and was now living at the family home.
Judge Brian O'Shea said that if Mr Sweetnam had previous convictions he would be going to prison. For the two no insurance charges he was fined a total of €600 and disqualified from driving for four years and six years.
For the two dangerous driving charges he was disqualified for four years and two years. All other charges were taken into consideration.
This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
