Chase ended when fuel tank burst on hump-back bridge

A judge said it was fortunate no serious injuries were caused by a man who led gardaí on a high speed chase across Mullingar before bursting the diesel tank of his car on a hump-back bridge.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she could “almost picture a car taking off” as details surrounding an incident on April 27 this year were heard at Mullingar District Court.

Tyre fitter Luke Maloney, Corran, Esker Riada, Ballinasloe, Galway faced nine counts of dangerous driving. The 21-year-old was also charged with having no insurance on the date in question.

The father of one entered a guilty plea to one of the nine section 53 Road Traffic Act charges. Details of the case were heard on a full facts basis.

Sgt Paul McNally, for the prosecution, said gardaí had been on patrol shortly after 8pm when they noticed Mr Maloney at the wheel of a red VW Bora on the Lynn Road. They observed a male passenger in the front seat and a female in the back.

Gardaí turned the patrol car, activated the blue lights and followed Mr Maloney. Sgt McNally said that the VW Bora took off at speed, and for the following eight minutes, gardaí tried to end the pursuit.

Sgt McNally said Mr Maloney carried out a series of “dangerous manoeuvres”.

The chase ended when the vehicle’s diesel tank burst as it went over a hump-back bridge after it turned off towards Lough Ennell. Gardaí found the car outside a driveway. None of the occupants was inside.

The court was told Mr Maloney took to nearby fields and gardaí located the two passengers near the scene.

Mr Maloney attended Mullingar Garda Station the following day. Sgt McNally said the accused was contrite and made full admissions.

Diarmuid Quinn, defending, said his client was remorseful, describing the incident as “very serious” and “foolish”. He had been in Mullingar on the day with the intention of selling the vehicle and panicked when he saw gardaí.

“He obviously knew there wasn’t insurance on the car and when he saw the lights flashing, in a panic he fled the scene,” he said.

He said Mr Maloney had not previously come to the attention of gardaí. Extenuating factors included the passing of a close family member.

Mr Quinn asked the court to factor in Mr Maloney’s early guilty plea and that he had assisted gardaí throughout the investigation.

Judge Owens agreed, saying Mr Maloney’s lack of previous convictions and the evident support his family continued to offer him were elements the court needed to consider prior to sentencing.

She did express shock at the gravity of the incident. “The vista of what has been described to me is of huge concern,” she said. “I can almost picture a car taking off going over a hump-back bridge and God knows what could have happened.”

Mr Maloney was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on January 16, 2025.

Judge Owens directed a probation report be carried out.