Motorist fled through fields after crashing car during pursuit with Gardaí

A Knockmore man refused to provide a sample of blood or urine to Gardaí after crashing a car and fleeing through fields.

Seamus Grehan, aged 41, of Knockmore, Ballina pleaded guilty at the local district court to dangerous driving, refusal to provide a sample, and no insurance.

Sgt Sean McHale told the court that he travelled to Knockmore village on June 27, 2025 following a call about a vehicle in the area. He saw the car approaching from the opposite direction and turned to follow it. Sgt McHale indicated for the driver to stop but he failed to do so and turned right onto a minor road. Grehan then lost control of the car and crashed into a ditch.

Sgt McHale said the defendant then “took to the fields” and was pursued and arrested.

Grehan was taken to Ballina Garda Station where he refused to provide a specimen of blood or urine.

The vehicle he was driving had no insurance and was seized and scrapped.

Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client had intended to sell the car that day but failed to do so. He was returning home when he “panicked and drove off” upon seeing Gardaí. Grehan has no previous convictions.

Mr Loftus said Grehan works in Galway and cares for his elderly mother.

“Mr Grehan, this does not cover you in glory in any way,” commented Judge Sandra Murphy.

However, the judge noted the lack of previous convictions and said she believed the incident was an “aberration” that would not be repeated.

She fined Grehan a total of €850 and imposed a four-year driving ban.

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.