Thursday 29 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. 10113Dangerous driving, endangerment, unlawful taking of a vehicle and criminal damage · Co. Laois · 27 Sep 2025

Man accused of dangerous driving and damaging Garda car on M7 in Laois

Gavin O'Donnell (20), of Walsh Island, Co Offaly, is accused of driving at high speed the wrong way along 11km of the M7 motorway in Laois on 27 September 2025, and of damaging a Garda car in Monasterevin. He also faces charges of unlawful taking of a vehicle at Portarlington, a hit and run on the R445 at Hybla, and endangerment and dangerous driving. He appeared in court, reported on 12 April 2026, and the DPP directed that the endangerment, unlawful taking and criminal damage charges be tried on indictment. The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 21 May 2026 for service of the book of evidence.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court10 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The accused is alleged to have driven at high speed in the wrong direction on the M7 motorway for 11 kilometres.
Where
The alleged driving took place on the M7 in Laois, including at the Curragh and at Cappakeel.
When
The alleged offences are dated 27 September 2025.
Charges
  • An endangerment charge alleges high-speed driving against the flow of traffic on the M7 at the Curragh for 11km.
  • A second endangerment charge alleges driving the wrong way down the M7 at high speed at Cappakeel.
  • The accused is accused of unlawful taking of a vehicle at Link Road, Portarlington.
  • The accused is accused of causing criminal damage to an unmarked Garda car in Monasterevin.
  • The accused is accused of a hit and run on the R445 at Hybla, Monasterevin.
  • A further dangerous driving charge at Link Road, Portarlington is dated 26 September, while other reports date the alleged offences 27 September 2025.
In court
  • He appeared in court, reported on 12 April 2026, facing multiple charges arising from alleged driving incidents in Laois and Offaly.
  • The DPP directed that the endangerment charges, the unlawful taking and the criminal damage be tried on indictment.
  • The prosecution asked for six weeks to prepare the book of evidence, and the case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 21 May 2026 for service of the book of evidence.
Other details
The accused is named as Gavin O'Donnell, aged 20, of 16 Island Lodge, Walsh Island, Co Offaly.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe accused is alleged to have driven at high speed in the wrong direction on the M7 motorway for 11 kilometres. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offences took place on 27 September 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is charged in relation to driving at speed against the flow of traffic on the motorway in Laois and damaging a Garda car. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is accused of the unlawful taking of a vehicle at Link Road, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is accused of causing criminal damage to an unmarked Garda car in Monasterevin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is accused of a hit and run on the R445 at Hybla, Monasterevin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused faces an endangerment charge for allegedly driving at high speed against the flow of traffic on the M7 at the Curragh for 11km. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeA second endangerment charge alleges the accused drove the wrong way down the M7 at high speed at Cappakeel. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused faces a further charge of dangerous driving at Link Road, Portarlington on 26 September. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that the accused face trial on indictment for the endangerment charges, the unlawful taking and the criminal damage. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution asked for six weeks to prepare the book of evidence. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Apr2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Allegedly drove at speed against traffic on M7 in Laois and damaged a Garda car

    First report of the court appearance of Gavin O’Donnell, who faces multiple charges arising from alleged driving incidents in Laois and Offaly. The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 21 May for service of the book of evidence.

    accused, Gavin O'Donnell, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gavin O'Donnell