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. 20793Dangerous driving · Co. Tipperary · 6 May 2021

Two men sentenced over Roscrea dangerous driving chase with gardaí

On 6 May 2021, at around 11.30am, gardaí began a pursuit in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, after a garda at a speed checkpoint at the Parkmore McDonald's roundabout detected a vehicle travelling at 98km/h in a 50km/h zone. The chase continued out the bypass, where a speed of 165km/h in a 60km/h zone was recorded at Benamore. Martin Pratt, 23, pleaded guilty to several charges of dangerous driving and to driving without insurance, and Jason O'Rourke, 30, contested three charges of dangerous driving. Nenagh District Court heard the sentences, reported on 8 June 2023: Mr Pratt received four months in prison suspended for two years and a six-year driving ban, and Mr O'Rourke received a two-year driving ban, with both men fined.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced8 Jun
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
When
The incident began at around 11.30am on 6 May 2021.
Where
  • The incident took place in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, with the chase starting near the McDonald's roundabout at Parkmore.
  • A motorist travelled at speeds of up to 165km/h through a 60km/h zone in Roscrea, and the garda recorded 165km/h in a 60km/h zone at Benamore on the bypass.
Investigation
Garda Mark Rabbitte was operating a speed detection checkpoint and detected an Audi travelling at 98km/h in a 50km/h zone.
What happened
  • The garda pursued the Audi after seeing a VW Passat travelling with it at speed, and caught up with both vehicles in his patrol car.
  • Mr Pratt crashed into a road-marking sign, left his vehicle and fled through a field.
Other details
  • Mr Pratt drove at 136km/h through a built-up area with a 50km/h speed limit.
  • Mr O'Rourke stayed behind the garda car throughout the pursuit.
  • Mr Pratt had 20 previous convictions, including one for driving without insurance at the time of the offence.
  • Sources spell the second suspect's surname as O'Rourke in the key facts and as O'Rouke in the case details.
Charges
  • Mr Pratt pleaded guilty to several charges of dangerous driving and to driving without insurance.
  • Mr O'Rourke contested three charges of dangerous driving.
In court
The judge said it was clear that Mr O'Rourke kept up with the garda vehicle and exceeded the speed limits.
Sentence
  • Mr Pratt was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years on his own bond of €250, and disqualified from driving for six years, with fines totalling €800.
  • Mr O'Rourke was disqualified from driving for two years and fined a total of €500.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereA motorist travelled at speeds of up to 165km/h through a 60km/h zone in Roscrea. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whereThe chase continued out the bypass, where the garda noted a speed of 165km/h in a 60km/h zone at Benamore. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whenThe incident began at around 11.30am on 6 May 2021. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • chargeMr Pratt pleaded guilty to several charges of dangerous driving and to driving without insurance. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • chargeMr O'Rourke contested three charges of dangerous driving. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • courtThe judge said it was clear that Mr O'Rourke kept up with the garda vehicle and exceeded the speed limits. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • sentenceMr O'Rourke was disqualified from driving for two years and fined a total of €500. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • sentenceMr Pratt was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years on his own bond of €250. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • sentenceMr Pratt was disqualified from driving for six years and fined a total of €800. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherGarda Rabbitte went after an Audi that was being driven at speed. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherMr Pratt drove at 136km/h through a built-up area with a 50km/h speed limit. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherMr O'Rourke stayed behind the garda car throughout the pursuit. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherMr Pratt crashed into a road-marking sign, left his vehicle and fled through a field. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherMr Pratt had 20 previous convictions, including one for driving without insurance at the time of the offence. (tipperarylive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Jun2023
    Sentencedtipperarylive.ie, first report
    Tipperary court told garda car hit sped of 165km/h during chase along 60km/h bypass zone

    Court report on sentencing of both men after a chase in Roscrea; gives the incident date as 6 May 2021 and details of the speeds, the crash and the sentences.

    convicted, Martin Pratt, 23, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Prattconvicted, Jason O'Rouke, 30, named, irish (judged from name)Jason O'Rouke