Man who rammed into garda with Audi near Limerick estate sentenced to four year's prison

A MAN who ran over a garda in Limerick has been sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment. 

Limerick Circuit Court heard that gardaí were called to St. Patrick’s Well, Singland, following a call about an alleged burglary taking place on February 10, 2025. 

Gardaí came upon Thomas Connors, 40, with an address at Ballyart, Brittas, Limerick leaving the scene in a silver Audi. 

The gardaí blocked off the vehicle at Brú na Gruadán, Castletroy, but the car would not stop. 

READ MORE: Gardaí appeal for information following vehicle burglaries in County Limerick

Judge Colin Daly, in his summary of evidence, said a garda approached the car and that the car reversed and rammed into a garda.  

Judge Daly said Mr Connors knew that he knocked the garda to the ground, however he continued to reverse. The judge further stated that the man “took this action to avoid arrest”.

The car then “drove at speed on the wrong side of the road” through two roundabouts in Castletroy, the court heard. 

The garda suffered injuries to his right side and has not returned to work since the incident.

The court heard that Mr Connors has a number of previous convictions, including 29 for road traffic matters, 10 burglaries and one robbery. 

In mitigation Judge Daly considered that Mr Connors pleaded guilty at an early stage to the charges of endangerment and failing to stop for gardaí.

The judge also added that Mr Connors is “making serious steps towards recovery”. 

The court heard that the man Mr Connors is married with four children. 

Judge Colin Daly said that “the accused is a recidivist” and that “deterrants must be considered” in the sentencing. 

Thomas Connors was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, with the final six months suspended. The man was also disqualified from driving for the next ten years. 

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.