Banned driver avoids jail for dangerous driving on scrambler in Cork

When gardaí asked for his licence and insurance he said to “go f*** yourself.”

Gardaí saw the scrambler being driven on a pedestrian lane and on to a green area of a housing estate. File photo: iStock

A banned driver drove a scrambler motorbike on a pedestrian lane and on to a green area of a housing estate in the middle of the afternoon and when gardaí asked for his documents he said to “go f*** yourself.” 

20-year-old Morgan Griffin of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork, pleaded guilty to a number of charges arising out of the escapade.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that on the afternoon of September 10, 2019, gardaí were alerted to a scrambler motorbike being driven around the north side of Cork City.

Gardaí from Gurranabraher station arrived to see the motorbike being driven through Killala Gardens, Knocknaheeny, and on to Kilmore Road.

Morgan Griffin was driving the bike and neither he nor his pillion passenger was wearing a helmet.

“The motorcycle was driven on a pedestrian walkway and on to Churchfield Green. There were no registration plates on the bike,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Griffin, who was 19 at the time, jumped off the bike and ran in the direction of his home.

Gardaí went immediately to his home and told him to produce his licence and insurance at a garda station of his choice within the following 10 days.

Morgan Griffin responded by saying: “Go f*** yourself”. Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, outlined a number of factors in mitigation, including the fact that he is still a young man.

Mr Buttimer also emphasised the plea of guilty to all charges arising from the incident and the fact the defendant was working part-time.

“There is no excuse for driving on this occasion. 

He was grossly discourteous to the guards. 

"He was not long out of his juvenile years. I would ask you not to impose a custodial sentence,” the solicitor submitted.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a fine of €850 and a suspended five-month sentence for having no insurance on the occasion. Griffin was fined €200 for having no licence and he was ordered to do 200 hours of community service instead of five months in prison for dangerous driving.

Sgt Kelleher said the accused had three convictions for stealing vehicles and three for having no insurance.

He had been disqualified from driving at the time and now he has been given a new disqualification of five years.