19 hours ago
Louth burglar drove at Gardaí before fleeing across the border
Stephen McDonagh, of Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, Dundalk at the time, was apprehended a month later when he was behind the wheel of another vehicle which had been stolen in Northern Ireland.
The defendant, who has 248 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary, endangerment, unauthorised taking, damage to property and other charges in the Ravensdale area on January 3, 2024. He was also charged with multiple counts of dangerous driving.
A sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court heard that members of the public and Gardai had been put at risk.
After refusing to grant Mr McDonagh bail to take up residential treatment for a drug addiction, Judge Dara Hayes adjourned sentencing to July 30, remarking that there will be a lengthy sentence.
Gda Nicole McGovern gave evidence of a burglary at a family home. The defendant was disturbed by the occupants and fled. A bail bond in his name was found on the property.
He was one of two men seen on CCTV and by witnesses outside a second residence. A woman shouted at him and he ran off.
He entered another house and took the keys to a Kia Ceed car which he drove away.
A man and his son from that house followed this vehicle as it drove from Ballymakellet towards St Mary's Church.
The younger man who was in pursuit tried to block the car. He got out and had to jump out of the way. His car was 'clipped' by McDonagh who had reversed towards him.
The defendant drove towards three Gardaí, forcing one to take evasive action. Members of the public were also present. He collided with a Garda vehicle. Nobody was injured though the officers were shaken.
Gda McGovern said McDonagh drove in an 'extremely dangerous manner' before crossing the border into Northern Ireland.
On the following February 6 at 4.02am a Land Rover Defender was stolen in Bessbrook, Co. Armagh.
Gardaí spotted it at 11.50am in Bridge Street, Dundalk and identified the accused inside. He attempted to flee and was arrested.
He was 'highly aggressive' in custody. He spat blood on the face and body of one officer and on the clothing and body of a second.
In a Victim Impact Statement, a mother told of seeing a stranger 'looming' behind her daughter in their Ravensdale home.
She had since installed electric gates and built a wall. She said what happened would haunt her for the rest of her life. The woman hoped some day she would feel safe.
A second lady recounted in person how she had been visiting her elderly parents when spotting a man at the side of the house. She shouted at him.
It caused fear and panic in the household. Her mother saw the man as he ran past. They didn't know where he was for several hours until it was confirmed that he had left the jurisdiction.
The woman said she was frightened at the thought of what could have happened.
In a separate incident the day before the Ravensdale offending, Stephen McDonagh was identified from CCTV after taking two mobile phones from handbags at the Gift & Art Gallery, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. He pleaded guilty to stealing a €400 mobile phone.
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