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Dangerous driver caught doing wheel spins in housing estate is jailed

Adam Baker’s defence said he had serious underlying mental health issues that needed to be addressed

Today at 08:55

A dangerous driver who “could have maimed or killed anyone” as he sped through a residential area after performing a wheel spin has been jailed for five months.

Adam Baker’s defence said he had serious underlying mental health issues that needed to be addressed, but Judge John Hughes said “the court isn’t a treatment centre” and sentenced him.

He also banned Baker from driving for 15 years.

Baker (24), of Marigold Grove, Darndale, admitted dangerous driving in the incident on March 22 last year.

The court heard gardaí on patrol at Edenmore Green at 4.30pm saw the accused driving a Ford Mondeo, performing a dangerous wheel spin.

He failed to stop for the gardaí and drove off at high speed before suddenly stopping and spinning around.

“I’m not trying to excuse his conduct, but quite clearly there are very serious underlying issues,” Ms Murray said.

“A custodial sentence isn’t going to fix him or benefit society.”

Judge Hughes replied: “The court isn’t a treatment centre,” adding that he was not there to “fix people”.

Ms Murray asked for steps to be taken to enable the accused to take full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Hughes asked if that had not already been done with suspended sentences. Despite these, Baker had continued to reoffend.

The judge said he was giving Baker credit for his guilty plea, but he had fled from pursuing gardaí and the incident took place in the middle of the day, he said.

“His behaviour was appalling… he could have maimed or killed anyone on the road, including himself,” he added.