A Northern Ireland man drove through an armed Garda checkpoint in Co Meath because he was afraid the lorry load of waste he was illegally transporting would be seized, Trim Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Paul McArdle (23), St Moninne Park, Killeavy, Newry, Co Down pleaded guilty to endangerment arising out of the incident at Deerpark, Ashbourne on April 2nd, 2005. He admitted to dangerous driving at Fleenstown Little, Ashbourne on the same date.
Garda Eamonn Boland of the Traffic Corps told the court he had stopped the defendant driving a Scania lorry close to the M50 toll bridge.
The long rigid-sided trailer was carrying a mix of domestic and construction waste and a number of defects were detected: two of the tyres were worn, it had a Northern registration plate at the front and a Tipperary registration at the rear and the back double door was secured by a frayed fabric strap.
The garda intended to seize the vehicle but as he went back to his jeep the accused drove off even though the passenger door was still open.
During the pursuit the defendant drove at speed along the M50 before turning off towards Ashbourne. He approached Kilshane Cross on the wrong side of the road and had to stop suddenly when a lorry pulled out.
The other driver reversed to avoid a collision and the defendant continued driving. A second garda who ran towards the cab was forced to take cover behind a pillar. The defendant made a sudden U-turn at traffic lights that turned red and the Garda jeep had to reverse to avoid being crushed.
The court was told that two armed detectives set up a checkpoint on the N2 as the lorry turned back towards Dublin.They drew their weapons but the accused drove through the checkpoint before he turned off at Baltrasna and jumped out.
Judge Pat McCartan imposed a nine-month jail term and €10,000 fine.