Thursday 5 November 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. 29550Dangerous driving · Co. Laois · 18 Sep 2021

Man sentenced for dangerous driving in Portlaoise

Patrick Doyle, 24, of Fethard, Co Tipperary, was charged with dangerous driving after Gardaí observed him doing dangerous manoeuvres at 180 km per hour and pursuing him for a considerable distance at Cappakeel, Emo, Portlaoise, on 18 September 2021. He initially stopped for Gardaí but then drove off with Gardaí in pursuit. At Portlaoise District Court on 20 October 2021, Judge Catherine Staines told him he could kill himself and leave his children without a father. He was disqualified from driving for two years. The court heard he had seven previous convictions, including for dangerous driving, and is a father of three children living in emergency accommodation.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced20 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Patrick Doyle, 24, of Fethard, Co Tipperary, was charged with dangerous driving at Cappakeel, Emo, Portlaoise.
  • Gardaí observed the defendant doing several dangerous manoeuvres and reaching speeds of 180 km per hour.
  • The defendant initially stopped for Gardaí but then drove off with Gardaí in pursuit, travelling a considerable distance before stopping.
When
The incident occurred on 18 September 2021.
In court
Judge Catherine Staines told the defendant he could kill himself and leave his children without a father.
Sentence
He was disqualified from driving for two years.
Other details
  • The defendant had seven previous convictions, including for dangerous driving.
  • The defendant is a father of three children living in emergency accommodation.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatPatrick Doyle, 24, of Fethard, Co Tipperary, was charged with dangerous driving at Cappakeel, Emo, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatGardaí observed the defendant doing several dangerous manoeuvres and reaching speeds of 180 km per hour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe defendant initially stopped for Gardaí but then drove off with Gardaí in pursuit. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe travelled a considerable distance before eventually stopping. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 18 September 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Catherine Staines told the defendant he could kill himself and leave his children without a father. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe was disqualified from driving for two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had seven previous convictions, including for dangerous driving. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is a father of three children living in emergency accommodation. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Oct2021
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    'You could kill people' Judge tells man pursued by Laois Gardaí at 180 kmph

    Reports the sentencing at Portlaoise District Court, including the judge's remarks, the defendant's background, and the imposed sentence and disqualification.

    accused, Patrick Doyle, 24, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Doyle