Man allegedly drove wrong way down M7 in Kildare
The defendant is alleged to have damaged a Garda car
A book of evidence has been served on a man who allegedly drove the wrong way down the motorway in Laois and Kildare and caused criminal damage to a garda car.
Gavin O’Donnell (20) of 16 Island Lodge, Walsh Island, Co Offaly is accused of causing criminal damage to a Garda car at Hybla, Monastervin, Co Kildare on September 29, 2025. He is also charged with two counts of endangerment on the M7 for driving the incorrect way on the motorway at The Curragh in Co Kildare and at Cappakeel in Laois on the same date.
Garda Lisa Murray told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that she served the book of evidence on the accused.
Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the DPP had directed that the case proceed on indictment and that the man should be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court.
Judge Susan Fay issued the standard alibi warning and sent the case forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on June 23.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described her client as a “vulnerable young adult and she said he was in receipt of disability as she requested legal aid. She said the endangerment charges can each attract a seven year sentence.
Judge Fay noted that “it is essentially a dangerous driving endangerment”. She granted legal aid for a solicitor and one counsel.