Louth men attacked Gardaí to facilitate driver's escape

Irish Independent

14-06-2025

Jack Dawson (22), Rowan Heights, Marleys Lane, Drogheda, and Johnny Kelly (23), St Finian's Park, Drogheda, appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court having pleaded guilty.
Evidence was heard previously that on December 31, 2021, Gardaí were after a stolen car driven by another man. When they attempted to apprehend this person they were surrounded by a group of youths.
Jack Dawson punched and kicked an officer and shouted in his face, while Johnny Kelly got between a guard and the car driver and told the driver to run. He ripped the Garda's stab vest.
Mr Dawson had 13 previous convictions, including four for assaulting Gardaí.
He was described as 'a public order menace with a bad attitude to Gardaí'.
The court had been told that he had changed and was working full-time as a scaffolder.
He had been assessed at moderate risk of offending. He was drug-free and there has been a positive change in his attitude to Gardaí.
The judge continued that this had been an attack on Gardaí to facilitate another man's escape from lawful custody. The guards were protecting the people of Drogheda from this car.
Mr Dawson received 240 hours community service in lieu of three years imprisonment on a charge of violent disorder.
For assaulting a peace officer in the execution of his duty a three-year sentence was imposed, suspended in its entirety with conditions.
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Mr Kelly was also before the court for sentencing on a separate incident of violent disorder which occurred at Wellington Quay on January 30, 2022 when three friends on their way home after a night out were set upon by another group of people in an unprovoked manner.
He struck a male in the back of a head with a fish slice.
The defendant had no previous convictions at the time. He now had five, four for Road Traffic matters, and none for offences of violence.
The Probation Service had assessed him at moderate risk of reoffending. He lived at home and was long-term unemployed.
Judge Hayes said he would deal with both incidents globally in respect of Mr Kelly.
A sentence of four-and-a-half years was imposed, conditionally suspended for four-and-a-half years, on the same charges as Jack Dawson.
For violent disorder at Wellington Quay, Johnny Kelly was ordered to complete 240 hours community service in lieu of four-and-a-half years imprisonment.
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