Cork drink-driver violently resisted arrest twice

A motorist who was caught drink-driving twice and resisted arrest on both occasions was told by the sentencing judge that he needed to “curb his enthusiasm for drink-driving and stop his outrageous behaviour with the gardaí”.

Judge Philip O’Leary made this comment as he sentenced 44-year-old Jason Daly of Lyredane, Grenagh, Co Cork, at Cork District Court.

“He is at high risk of incarceration,” Judge O’Leary said at the sentencing hearing, which had been adjourned to allow time for preparation of a probation report.

Judge O’Leary decided to impose a total jail term of four months, but he suspended this on two conditions. Firstly, that Daly would be of good behaviour, and secondly, that he would comply with the directions of the Probation Service. The judge also disqualified him from driving for a period of four years, the commencement of which is delayed until April 8, 2026, following an application by defence solicitor Eddie Burke.

When the case was called, Judge O’Leary said: “I do recall one of the guards was injured.” Inspector Gillian Sinnott added: “And pepper-spray had to be deployed in the middle of an arrest.”

Mr Burke, solicitor, said of the accused: “He was quite upfront with the Probation Service.” Judge O’Leary said: “He still feels he is justified.”

In the context of two cases where he pleaded not guilty but was convicted, the defence solicitor said: “He does accept the court’s decision, but he does still have an opinion on what happened.”

The first incident occurred on October 28, 2024, at Lisduff, Old Mallow Rd, Co Cork, where a tow-truck was removing a crashed vehicle from the road. The defendant drove by at speed and almost collided with the tow-truck operator. Gardaí activated blue lights and siren to indicate for Jason Daly to stop, but he failed to do so. When he eventually stopped at a car park at Rathduff, Grenagh, he violently resisted arrest and was intoxicated. Garda Clare Sheehan suffered an injury to her hand as the defendant obstructed her.

Less than four months later, at Sluggera Cross, on February 8 this year, he was drink-driving for a second time. Gardaí followed him when they observed his erratic driving. He drove on to Old Mallow Rd, performed a U-turn at Ballynaraha Cross, and drove straight at the patrol car, narrowly missing it. He abandoned the car down a boreen cul de sac, and violently resisted arrest by Garda Shane Halligan, and had to be pepper-sprayed.

Judge O’Leary warned the defendant: “If he comes before the court again, he will be in custody.” Mr Burke said: “He knows that.”