** Mother-of-Seven Sentenced After Dragging Garda During Escape

UPDATE: A mother-of-seven, Victoria Harty, was sentenced to three months in prison after dragging a Garda during a dramatic escape from a checkpoint near Askeaton, County Limerick. The incident occurred on June 18, 2024, and has raised serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement.

In a shocking turn of events, Harty accelerated away from a police checkpoint, dragging Garda Errol Flynn along the road for a brief distance. Authorities report this dangerous maneuver led to her immediate apprehension by another Garda unit shortly thereafter.

During the sentencing at the Limerick District Court, presiding Judge Patricia Harney expressed her disapproval of Harty’s actions, labeling the dangerous driving as “disgraceful.” The court heard that Harty had a staggering 62 previous convictions, including various offenses such as driving without a license and shoplifting.

“She was told to stop, but she failed to do so,”

said Sergeant Sean Murray, outlining the severity of the incident. Fortunately, Garda Flynn did not sustain any injuries during the encounter.

Harty’s legal representative, John Herbert, sought leniency, highlighting that his client had recently found stable housing after a period of homelessness. He noted that Harty now lives with her partner and children in a caravan in Askeaton, and her children are attending local schools.

Judge Harney was not swayed by the plea for mercy, criticizing Harty for avoiding court appearances for years. She likened the request for leniency to a hypothetical situation where someone who murdered their parents sought sympathy because they were now orphaned.

In addition to the prison sentence, Harty was disqualified from driving for ten years and fined a total of €1,950 for multiple road traffic violations, including operating a vehicle without insurance. The court imposed consecutive sentences totaling over seven months for her various offenses, reinforcing the serious nature of her criminal history.

Following the ruling, Harty has been granted leave to appeal the severity of her sentences. However, she has been ordered not to drive pending the outcome of this appeal, leaving her future and that of her family uncertain.

This case underscores significant issues surrounding public safety and the responsibilities of drivers on the road. As authorities continue to address these challenges, the community remains on alert following this alarming incident.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.