'You're not taking my van you pr**k': learner driver in 'outrageous' assault on garda
A learner driver tore a garda’s trousers and shouted: “Give me back my f**king keys, you’re not taking my van you pr**k,” after being approached for blocking traffic by parking on double yellow lines, a court has heard.
Laurance Connors (20), of Marlfield Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage, threatening and abusive behaviour, obstructing a garda, driving without a licence and failing to produce a driving licence following an incident at Sandycove Point, Sandycove, Dublin, on April 30, 2025.
Dún Laoghaire District Court heard that a garda approached a van parked on double yellow lines which was causing an obstruction.
The garda spoke to the driver and asked him to produce his licence. The defendant failed to do so and the garda said he believed he was an unaccompanied learner driver.
The garda told the court he cautioned the defendant about obstructing traffic and informed him that the vehicle would be taken.
He said the defendant became abusive when he was told the van was being taken and shouted: “Give me back my f***ing keys”.
The court heard the garda had taken the keys from the vehicle but the defendant then opened the door and attempted to take them back.
During the struggle, the defendant tried to remove the keys from the garda’s pocket and at one point attempted to close the car window on his arm.
The court heard the defendant held onto the garda’s arm and pulled on his trousers, causing them to tear.
The garda said the defendant, while showing his teeth, shouted: “Give me back my f***ing keys, you’re not taking my van, you prick”.
The garda said the abuse only began when Connors was told the van was being taken from him.
Judge Anne Watkin heard that the garda used bodily force to remove the Connors from the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Defence counsel, Michael O’Brien BL, said his client was a 20-year-old man with no previous convictions who had been under significant stress at the time.
Counsel said the accused had been working as a carer for his father and had gone to the beach after two difficult days dealing with family pressures.
Connors accepted that he had been unaccompanied while on a learner permit and acknowledged that he had “no business driving” in those circumstances.
Judge Watkin described the behaviour towards the garda as “outrageous” and questioned the level of aggression involved.
She ordered a probation report and a community service assessment, including consideration of restorative driving programmes, adjourning the case to September 14 for finalisation.
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