Man who drove off at speed from gardaí in East Cork handed driving disqualification

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 2025.

Court presenter Sergeant Majella O’Sullivan told the court that the first incident occurred on March 15 when a patrol stopped Sweetnam at North Main St where the vehicle he was driving did not have valid tax, insurance, or NCT disks displayed, and was subsequently seized.

On April 16, 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, Sweetnam did not have a valid driver’s licence or motor insurance.

Sgt O’Sullivan said 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.

Defence solicitor James Moore said his client made full admissions, was co-operative with gardaí, and 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 Mr Sweetnam had not been in trouble before or since, and was now living at the family home.

Judge Brian O’Shea said if 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.

• The article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme