Banned driver stole BMW and crashed while ‘out of his mind’

A disqualified driver who stole a BMW after the owner accidentally left the keys inside later crashed it while out of his mind on drugs and tablets, a court has heard.

Jonathan Conway (35) lost control of the car at a roundabout while being pursued by gardaí and it briefly became airborne before hitting a lamp-post and wall.

Conway has 112 convictions, mainly for road traffic and public order offences, theft and failing to appear in court.

Conway, of Delhurst Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to taking possession of a car without the consent of the owner, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and refusing to give a sample at locations in south county Dublin on July 1st, 2016.

Conway, formerly of Haven House, Morningstar Avenue, Dublin 7 is in custody.

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until May to allow further reports to be prepared and ordered Conway to undergo urine analysis.

Garda Paul Byrne told Maurice Coffey, prosecuting, that he was on routine mobile patrol on the Wyattville dual carriageway when he saw a black BMW change lanes without indicating. He said he activated the siren and lights and the BMW “shot off like a rocket”.

He said further down the road the driver attempted to turn left at the roundabout at the The Graduate pub but the driver, Conway, lost control of the car and it briefly became airborne before hitting a lamp post and the wall of the pub grounds.

Two women in the car were treated for minor injuries. The car which had been taken earlier in Killiney was written off. Conway did not have a valid driving licence or insurance and admitted taking the car.

The court heard that the owner had mistakenly left her keys inside her car parked outside her home.

Conway was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he refused to supply a sample of blood or urine.

Garda Byrne agreed with defence counsel, Luigi Rea, that at the time of the offence Conway appeared to be “out of his mind” on heroin, alcohol and tablets. He agreed that Conway was co-operative with gardaí.

The court will hear a full plea in mitigation from Mr Rea on behalf of Conway on the next date.