Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 13090Dangerous driving, hit and run · Co. Laois · 17 Jul 2024

Defence Forces Private adjourned over knocking down garda at Electric Picnic checkpoint

Steven Dolan, 27, a Private in the Defence Forces, admitted dangerous driving and hit and run after his Audi A4 struck and knocked down a traffic garda at a checkpoint on the R445 Dublin Road, Portlaoise, during the Electric Picnic on 17 July 2024. Judge Andrew Cody adjourned sentencing to 9 October 2025, ordered a €10,000 donation to ONE and a Pro Social Driving programme, and sought a reference from the defendant's commanding officer.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court25 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSteven Dolan admitted dangerous driving and hit and run on the R445 Dublin Road, Portlaoise, on 17 July 2024. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatSergeant Flaherty was taken to hospital with soft tissue damage to his left hand and shoulder. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe defendant fled the checkpoint, stopped, and then fled again. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe defendant was living in the Whitefields Estate in Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on 9 October. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Cody ordered the €10,000 brought to court to be donated to Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE). (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Cody ordered the defendant to take part in the Pro Social Driving programme. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherSteven Dolan is a serving Private in the Defence Forces based in the Curragh. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had previously volunteered with the Samaritans in Cork and played rugby with Portarlington Rugby Club. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is facing disciplinary action in the army as a result of the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Jul2025
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Garda “knocked down” during Electric Picnic in Laois

    Sentencing hearing at Portlaoise District Court where Judge Cody adjourned the case, ordered a €10,000 donation to ONE and the Pro Social Driving programme, and requested a reference from the defendant's commanding officer.

    accused, Steven Dolan, 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)Steven Dolanvictim, Flaherty, male, irish (judged from name)Flaherty