Prison term for man who 'works like hell and lives like hell'

A man who ‘works like hell and lives like hell’ has been jailed for 12 months for several incidents of dangerous driving.

John Gilmartin, aged 36, of Charlestown Lodge, Sonnagh, Charlestown pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to three charges of dangerous driving on November 29, 2020, three charges of dangerous driving on December 24, 2024, and driving without a licence or insurance on two other occasions.

Sgt Fiona Farrell told the court that Gda O’Brien was on patrol on the N26 at Mount Falcon, Ballina, on November 29, 2020, when he was informed by Gda Harte of a BMW driving at excessive speed at Sraheen, Foxford. Gda O’Brien observed the vehicle being driven by a man later identified as Gilmartin.

The vehicle continued travelling at excessive speed at three locations in Ballina - Rehins, Station Road and Teeling Street - despite efforts by Gda O'Brien to stop it. The garda abandoned the pursuit at the Killala Road due to the speed involved and the adverse weather conditions. Gilmartin later admitted to being the driver of the vehicle.

In relation to the incident on Christmas Eve, 2024, the court heard that Sgt Sean McHale was operating a checkpoint in Ballina at 1.47am when Gilmartin's vehicle approached. The defendant failed a roadside breath test and became aggressive when Sgt McHale spoke to him, saying he was not going anywhere.

Sgt McHale reached into the vehicle to turn off the engine but Gilmartin drove off in an aggressive manner and Sgt McHale was “brought along” by the car and "pushed into" his colleague Gda Brian McGuire. Sgt McHale and Gda McGuire pursued Gilmartin who evaded them through various locations at speeds that were often in excess of double the speed limit.

He eventually came to a stop at Rathnaconeen, Ballina and was arrested for drink driving. A urine sample gave a reading of 141mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine. The legal limit is 67mg. Gilmartin was later convicted for drink driving in relation to this incident.

On August 2, 2025, at 5.44am, Sgt McHale observed Gilmartin driving a vehicle and was aware he had been disqualified at a court on July 11. The defendant was charged with driving without a license or insurance.

On September 17, 2025, Gda Tom Corcoran observed Gilmartin driving in Turlough, Castlebar where he overtook another vehicle on a continuous white line. He stopped the defendant and discovered he was disqualified from driving. Gilmartin was arrested and the vehicle was seized.

The court heard the defendant has seven previous convictions.

Solicitor Peter Flynn described his client as a person with a "disorganised life" and said he has had issues with alcohol and drugs.

“He works like hell and then he lives like hell,” said Mr Flynn. 

He said his client would be willing to cooperate with the Probation Service if given a chance.

However, Judge Ciaran Liddy imposed a 12-month prison sentence and a five-year driving disqualification.

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.