Man led gardai on high speed chase, Dundalk court heard

A man who led gardaí on a 17 minute chase over a distance of 33 kilometres, was driving a friend's car and was afraid it would be seized, Dundalk Circuit Court has been told.

Modeste Wilondja (22) with an address at the time at Lurganearly, Castleblayney was charged with endangerment, dangerous driving, obstructing a member of An Garda Síochána and driving without insurance on April 25th 2021.

The court heard when gardai spoke to the defendant on the forecourt of a filling station at Lannat, Killany around 8.45pm, he appeared nervous.

He produced his driving licence and gave his address and claimed he was travelling from Castleblayney to Dundalk to get fuel, but the investigating garda said that explanation didn't make sense as he would have passed a lot of filling stations on the way.

His passenger then became agitated and while dealing with him, the defendant got into the driver's seat and began reversing with the passenger door open - causing his companion to run backwards to avoid being hit.

He then took off at speed and during the chase that followed through mid and north Louth areas, including narrow country roads, he reached speeds of up to 180 kilometres and hour and covered 33 kilometres, before a decision was made to cease the pursuit and he was followed at a distance and seen to turn for Shelagh on the N53 and crossed the border.

The court heard he had travelled at speed through Louth Village, and when a garda in a different patrol car attempted to stop him, he narrowly missed a collision by swerving.

In a second incident, the driver of a patrol car had to pull into the church car park in Knockbridge to avoid an impact.

In another, a motorist had to pull into a gateway to avoid a collision at Thomastown.

Judge Dara Hayes, who noted the 22 year old had not come to adverse attention since, imposed sentences totalling two and a half years which he suspended in full on the defendant entering a bond to be of good behaviour for two and a half years, subject to conditions.

He was also disqualified from driving for five years and must complete a certificate of competency before his licence is restored.