Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to news
news
Crime & Legal
Teen driver drove after cyclist then stole his bike, Dublin court toldJustice (Lonpicman, Wikimedia Commons)

Teen driver drove after cyclist then stole his bike, Dublin court told

Rider was reported to have raised middle finger at youth prior to incicdent in March
by Simon_MacMichael
Wed, Sep 13, 2017 15:53
5

A court in Dublin has heard how a 17-year-old driver drove at a cyclist who had raised his middle finger at him, then chased after him and stole his bike.

The incident happened in Clondalkin in March, reports the Irish Times.

The teenager, who has not been named, pleaded guilty at Dublin Children's Court to theft of the bicycle and to dangerous driving, including speeding.

After an incident in which it was claimed the cyclist raised his middle finger at the motorist, the youth was said to have driven behind him in an "intimidating manner."

The cyclist, who was concerned about his safety, went onto a footpath, as did the driver, who continued to follow him in his vehicle and also pursued him into a housing estate as the rider tried to get away, then stole his bike.

The court was told that the youngster, whose mother and solicitor were had the hearing with him, did not have any previous convictions.

Sentencing will take place in November to allow time for a pre-sentence probation report to be compiled.

In the Republic of Ireland, as in the UK, 17 is the minimum legal age to drive a car.

Dublin
Republic of Ireland
ireland
road rage
Simon MacMichael

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
WillRod | 7 years ago
5 likes

If you can't be named because you are too young, perhaps you are too young to drive, or ride a motorbike?

 

Either way, this kid needs a serious ban if he drove up a pavement after him. 

Avatar
DaveE128 | 7 years ago
12 likes

Interesting that one can be old enough to drive a car but not old enough to be named.

Avatar
RobD replied to DaveE128 | 7 years ago
2 likes

DaveE128 wrote:

Interesting that one can be old enough to drive a car but not old enough to be named.

Agreed, just another example of the entitlement bias towards driving

Avatar
Canyon48 replied to RobD | 7 years ago
3 likes

RobD wrote:

DaveE128 wrote:

Interesting that one can be old enough to drive a car but not old enough to be named.

Agreed, just another example of the entitlement bias towards driving

To be fair, that isn't exactly true. I was flying aircraft solo at 17, courts will only name anyone under the age of 18 if it is in the public interest.

Avatar
giff77 replied to RobD | 7 years ago
3 likes

RobD wrote:

DaveE128 wrote:

Interesting that one can be old enough to drive a car but not old enough to be named.

Agreed, just another example of the entitlement bias towards driving

I'm thinking you may be suffering from persecution complex. As far as criminal law is concerned the guy is a minor and can only named once he/she turns 18. Yet you can marry at 16, sign up at 16, Yet you have to wait till your 18 to be able to vote, purchase alcohol/tobacco.  Personally, if you can be treated as an adult in various areas while under 18 I don't see why your name cannot be withheld depending on the offence. 

Latest Comments