Cork man who drove stolen car at garda is jailed

Judge said accused had created 'a substantial risk of death or serious injury'

Judge said the defendant needed to reflect on his addiction to drugs and the bad company he was keeping. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A member of An Garda Síochána had a stolen car driven at him in Ballincollig when two young men went on a crime spree, and now one of the accused has been sentenced to a total of two and a half years for this endangerment and other crimes.

Judge Helen Boyle imposed that total sentence on 23-year-old Evan Crean, of 69 St Colmcille Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

“You embarked on a spree in a stolen Skoda car which you were observed driving as you made your way around Cork.

“Members of An Garda Síochána identified you in the car. You drove towards a member of An Garda Síochána, colliding with him, creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury,” Judge Boyle said.

Detective Garda Pat Barry gave evidence of the spree of crime committed by Evan Crean and his accomplice on October 31, 2024.

The judge said the severity of the endangerment was an aggravating factor. A previous conviction for robbery was another aggravating factor. In mitigation, the judge pointed to the early plea of guilty and positive family support.

Judge Boyle said the defendant needed to reflect on his addiction to drugs and the bad company he was keeping.

“You are doing well in custody. But addiction to alcohol and drugs is a major stumbling block for you,” Judge Boyle said.

A six-month portion of a previous suspended sentence was made consecutive to a two-year sentence on the October 2024 offences.

Defence barrister Alan O’Dwyer said the accused had been remanded in custody on the charges since December 2024 and asked for the sentence of two and a half years to be backdated to then. Judge Boyle acceded to that application.