‘OJ-style’ chase ends with 15-year driving suspension

A judge said an escapade that involved driving a stolen van from Cork City to Killarney while being pursued at times by patrol cars, could have killed someone.

The defence solicitor claimed it was an “OJ Simpson-style” chase that never exceeded the speed limit.

At Cork District Court yesterday, Jason O’Brien, aged 23, of St Vincent’s hostel, Cork, was given a 15-year driving ban by Judge Olann Kelleher and sentenced to six months in prison.

Inspector John Deasy said that, during the escapade, gardaí managed to pull in ahead of O’Brien at Ballyvourney and get him to stop, but he reversed and drove up on a grass embankment and drove away. It was not until he crossed the border into Kerry that gardaí managed to bring his driving escapade to an end, in Killarney.

Solicitor Eddie Burke accepted O’Brien had numerous convictions for that type of crime among a total of 204 previous convictions. His modus operandi was to drive off in vehicles where keys were in the ignition or over the wheel, often taking cars from outside garages.

Mr Burke said the cars were never taken as part of burglaries and, in most cases, the cars were eventually found undamaged.

“This chase was akin to the OJ Simpson case where he did not seem to break the speed limit,” said Mr Burke. “He apologises for his behaviour. He got a fright [in Ballyvourney]. That is why he left the scene.”

Cork District Court previously heard from Garda Anthony Lyons, who said: “The manner of driving was extremely dangerous. It was dangerous to members of the public. It was an extremely dangerous incident.”

The van at the centre of the series of offences was stolen from outside a commercial premises in Cork and driven dangerously at various points along an 85km journey to Killarney.

Garda Lyons said that, at various stages along the way, the van was driven on the incorrect side of the road, forcing motorists and cyclists to take evasive action.

The incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, and eventually came to an end at Park Rd, Killarney.

O’Brien was charged with stealing the 2014-registered van at South Ring West Business Park on Tramore Rd, Cork, on May 21. He was also charged with driving a van in a manner dangerous to the public at The Flats, Ballyvourney, and failing to stop and remain stationary when required by a member of An Garda Síochána for such time as was necessary for him to discharge his duties.

The remaining four charges relate to driving offences in Kerry: Dangerous driving at Lissivigeen, Killarney, and at Park Rd; and driving without insurance and a driving licence.

O’Brien pleaded guilty to all charges.

Judge Kelleher said: “Someone could have been killed on this chase.”