Teenager Leads High-Speed Pursuit in Stolen Car, Reaches 200 km/h

A 17-year-old teenager is facing serious charges after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Dublin and into Laois, reaching speeds of over 200 km/h in a stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on the evening of April 21, 2025, and has raised significant concerns about public safety.

During a preliminary hearing at the Dublin Children’s Court, the presiding Judge Paul Kelly determined that the severity of the case warranted it being transferred to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. Judge Kelly remarked, “It’s an absolute miracle no one was killed or seriously harmed.” The teenager, whose identity remains protected due to his age, faces charges including endangerment of life, possession of a stolen vehicle, and 13 counts of dangerous driving.

Defence solicitor Brian Keenan indicated that the youth intends to plead guilty, with further appearances scheduled to prepare a formal plea. Garda Aaron Webb presented evidence, including video footage captured by police dashboard cameras, detailing the reckless driving that ensued.

The chase began at approximately 19:00 on Easter Monday, when the stolen car, taken from Kilkenny less than 24 hours prior, was detected at the Chapelizod bypass. Footage showed the teenager speeding on the wrong side of the road at 127 km/h near the Criminal Courts of Justice, before veering onto the Luas tracks and racing past Heuston Station.

As the pursuit continued onto the N4 and then the M50, the teenager’s driving became increasingly erratic. He was recorded traveling at 156 km/h, far exceeding the legal limit of 50 km/h, and nearly colliding with two other vehicles after steering onto the N7 at Citywest.

The most alarming moment came when he collided with a van while traveling at 160 km/h in Rathcoole, resulting in the van driver suffering whiplash and requiring hospital treatment. Despite the damage to his vehicle, the teenager continued driving, reaching a peak speed of 203 km/h before a tire blowout. Even with a disintegrated tire, he managed to maintain a speed of 177 km/h for several minutes.

The pursuit lasted 12 minutes, during which the teenager drove 21 km against the flow of traffic, with police vehicles trailing him in the correct lanes. Near junction 15 in Co Laois, police deployed a stinger device to deflate the car’s tires. Despite this, the chase continued, with sparks flying from the vehicle until it finally came to a halt.

In court, the teenager, who had no prior convictions, described a traumatic childhood and acknowledged the potential consequences of his actions. His solicitor mentioned that he had previously engaged with mental health services and expressed remorse for the danger he posed to others during the pursuit. The youth is set to return to court later this month for further proceedings.