Banned driver caught on roads was struggling with ‘toxic relationship’, court told

Lisa Greene (25) had already been put off the road when she was caught driving again with no licence.

Andrew Phelan

Today at 07:27

A banned motorist caught behind the wheel months after she was given a four-year disqualification ban was showing “complete contempt” for court orders, a judge said.

Lisa Greene (25) had already been put off the road when she was caught driving again with no licence.

Judge Patricia Cronin banned her from driving for another four years and fined her €500.

Greene, of Belcamp Green, Coolock, pleaded guilty to unlicensed driving.

Dublin District Court heard gardaí were on patrol at Glin Road, Coolock on August 2 when they stopped the accused driving an A-class Mercedes.

The gardaí discovered that she did not have a valid licence and arrested her.

Greene had previous convictions for offences including uninsured and unlicensed driving, and had been put off the road for four years last March.

She had been given a one-year driving ban in January last year for similar offences.

On the day, Greene “took it on herself” to drive, for which she apologised, her solicitor Michael French said.

She had been going through a difficult period due to a “toxic relationship”, but was now due to start work in a new job and would have some structure in her life, Mr French said.

Judge Cronin noted the date of the last conviction.

“Less than five months later, this lady is driving again,” she said.

“It’s completely unacceptable, showing complete contempt for the orders of the court in getting behind the wheel, no matter what the circumstances.”

M50 chase: Gemma Greene, who ‘led 20 garda cars on high-speed chase’, sent forward to trial

Ms Greene, from Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin, was originally charged with two counts of dangerous driving, on the M50 at Junctions 4 and 9 northbound

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A Dublin woman accused of endangerment of life by allegedly leading 20 garda cars and a helicopter on a livestreamed pursuit on the M50 has been sent forward for trial.

Gemma Greene, 24, who has built a large following on social media, had been charged in connection with the alleged pursuit of a Mercedes car from Ballymun to Bray on the night of March 1 last.

Ms Greene, from Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin, was originally charged with two counts of dangerous driving, on the M50 at Junctions 4 and 9 northbound.

In April, she was further charged with recklessly engaging in conduct which created substantial risk of death or serious harm to another at Junction 9 northbound on the motorway. On conviction it can result in a maximum seven-year sentence.

There were also another 13 more alleged offences arising out of the same alleged incident: 11 counts of dangerous driving as well as attempted criminal damage by throwing an object from the car during the pursuit.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that she must face trial on indictment, Dublin District Court was told.

This means the case will be heard in a higher court with tougher sentencing powers.

Bail with a range of terms was set in April compelling her to reside at her home address; obey a 11pm to 6am curfew, sign on daily at Coolock garda station; not to drive any motor vehicle; remain sober in public and stay out of Ballymun.

However, she challenged them successfully.

Defence solicitor John Quinn said those conditions have been set aside when Ms Greene appeared in the District Court on Friday.

A book of evidence was served on her by the prosecution.

Judge Conal Gibbons agreed to the DPP’s request to grant a return for trial order, sending Ms Greene forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

She has not yet indicated how she will plead and remained silent during the hearing on Friday.