A CORK MAN who has one of the largest rap sheets in Irish criminal history claims he has never been offered rehab. \u00a0Anthony O\u2019Sullivan (30), Araglen Court, DeansRock Estate, Togher is charged with being intoxicated while driving, speeding and having no insurance or licence at Newhall, Naas, on 20 December 2016.<\/p>\n
At Naas District Court on Thursday, Judge Desmond Zaidan confirmed it was the most previous convictions that he has ever dealt with in his 30 years in business, with long-established solicitors agreeing with him. \u00a0He said: \u201cThis must be the highest record in Irish criminal history.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Sullivan \u2013 who appeared by order of bench warrant \u2013 is charged with driving at high-speed on the M7 motorway, having cannabis in his system while driving and not having insurance.<\/p>\n
Garda inspector Mel Smyth outlined how O\u2019Sullivan was driving at a \u2018very high-speed\u2019 of 160km\/hr in a 120km\/hr zone. \u00a0The court heard how O\u2019Sullivan overtook a car in the fast lane while road conditions were \u2018very wet\u2019 with \u2018poor visibility\u2019. \u00a0Smyth said: \u201cHe squeezed past the patrol car, there was no space.\u201d \u00a0Evidence was given that O\u2019Sullivan drove on for about two kilometres while being followed by blue sirens.<\/p>\n
Smyth told the court the accused\u2019s past convictions include eight for dangerous driving, 81 for no insurance, 132 for driving licence related matters, five for giving a false name and address, six for being drunk and driving, 15 for the unauthorised taking of a car, seven for driving while disqualified, six for burglary, seven for criminal damage, one for theft, 12 related to the Misuse of Drugs Act and seven for public order, as well as others for minor road traffic offences.<\/p>\n
The latest drink-driving offences led to him being disqualified from driving for five years at Cork Circuit Court on 19 May 2015. \u00a0The court heard how O\u2019Sullivan obtained his first conviction at the age of 15 for driving with no licence or insurance.<\/p>\n
Judge Zaidan asked the accused, \u201dWhy do you behave like this all the time?\u201d \u00a0O\u2019Sullivan said he was sent to an auto apprenticeship school when he was 13 years of age and developed an addiction to cars. \u00a0He added that he is awaiting rehab for drug addiction. He claims he has never been treated by a psychologist. \u00a0I have a drugs problem. I have never been referred anywhere.<\/p>\n
Defence solicitor Timmy Kennelly described his client as \u2018very polite and forthright\u2019. He requested O\u2019Sullivan be allowed enter a restorative justice programme.<\/p>\n
Judge Zaidan ordered that the accused get a detailed probation report and see a psychologist while being remanded in custody to appear at Naas District Court on 6 April for sentencing.<\/p>\n
Source: \u00a0the journal<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"