A hit-and-run driver who tried to frustrate a Garda inquiry by hiding his car has been sentenced to two years' jail.
Karl D'Arcy (21), of Keedeen Avenue, Walkinstown, Dublin, who has no previous convictions, was also banned from driving for 20 years.
Dublin District Court was told that D'Arcy crashed into the side of a Pounds 4,500 Fiat Uno at Lower Kimmage Road, on July 28th last year. The vehicle had to be written off.
D'Arcy, who was driving a Ford Escort XR3 convertible, sped from the scene and tried to thwart Garda inquiries by keeping the car hidden for four months and refusing to say who had driven it that night.
Garda Gearoid McCarthy established that D'Arcy's car was the only white XR3 convertible with black number plates in the State.
When he finally located the car, it had been repaired and repainted twice.
The defendant had walked out of one Garda interview after saying: "If you ha",e enough evidence, charge me.
Judge Crowley imposed sentences totalling two years and 20 years' disqualification. There were 11 summonses, including leaving the scene of an accident and failing to give information.
He also imposed fines totalling Pounds 840 for failing to produce a driving licence or insurance and ordered D'Arcy to sign a Pounds 1,000 peace bond within 14 days.
The court heard that D'Arcy, who was not present in court, was insured at the time. He is also facing a civil action by the other driver.
The judge ordered that if D'Arcy wanted to appeal, he must lodge independent sureties of Pounds 40 000.