Saturday 31 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. 19632Dangerous driving · Co. Laois

Man admits dangerous driving and no insurance after garda chase in Borris-in-Ossory

On March 8 at about 3.15pm, Gerry Pratt, a 23-year-old man, failed to stop for gardaí at Shanboe, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois. His car was pursued and crashed into a ditch, and one person escaped through the fields while a passenger was apprehended. Gardaí arrested Pratt on August 1, and he was cooperative in custody. At court, he admitted three counts of dangerous driving, criminal damage, and having no licence or insurance; the judge fined him €300 and disqualified him from driving for two years, and other matters were adjourned to January 11 for a probation report.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced2 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Gerry Pratt, a 23-year-old man, failed to stop for gardaí.
  • Pratt admitted three counts of dangerous driving, criminal damage, and having no licence or insurance.
  • One person escaped through the fields, and a passenger was apprehended.
Where
The incident took place at Shanboe, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois.
When
The offences took place on March 8 at 3.15pm.
Cause
The car was pursued and eventually crashed into a ditch, causing damage.
Investigation
  • Pratt was arrested on August 1 and was cooperative in custody.
  • Pratt produced €400 compensation for the repair of the ditch.
Sentence
The judge fined Pratt €300 and disqualified him from driving for two years.
In court
Other matters were sent back for a probation and welfare report, and the matter was adjourned to January 11 for a probation report.
Other details
Pratt had three previous convictions.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGerry Pratt admitted three counts of dangerous driving, criminal damage and having no licence or insurance. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe defendant failed to stop for gardaí in Borris-in-Ossory at 3.15pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatOne person escaped through the fields. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatA passenger was apprehended. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place at Shanboe, Borris-in-Ossory. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place on March 8. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe car was pursued and eventually crashed into a ditch, causing damage. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe accused was arrested on August 1 and was cooperative in custody. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtOther matters were sent back for a probation and welfare report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned to January 11 for a probation report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge fined the defendant €300. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was disqualified from driving for two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had three previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Oct2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Crashed into ditch during garda chase

    Court report on the sentencing of Gerry Pratt for the garda chase at Shanboe, Borris-in-Ossory; includes sentence, previous convictions, arrest date and adjournment.

    convicted, Gerry Pratt, 23, male, namedGerry Pratt