‘Relationship breakdown’ led to high-speed car pursuit in Swinford

A man damaged a van at the home of his former partner before taking her car on a high-speed pursuit with gardaí.

Paul Howley, aged 39, of Brabazon Heights, Swinford, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising out of the incident.

Garda Avril Hynes told the court that on April 4, 2024, Howley went to the home of his former partner near Swinford and broke a number of windows.

He then sat into the woman’s car and started the engine after finding the keys were in the ignition.

Before driving off, he smashed the windscreen, side windows and rear tail-lights of a van that was at the property.

He returned to his ex-partner’s car and left the scene. The car was spotted by gardaí and Howley sped up after seeing the patrol car.

A chase ensued towards Swinford with Howley exceeding speeds of 110km in a 80km zone.

Gardaí were instructed to halt the pursuit due to the erratic nature of the driving.

Howley was later arrested. He has 43 previous convictions.

Barrister Mr. Diarmuid Connolly, representing Howley, said the offending occurred in the context of the breakdown of a relationship.

The court heard he is now on good terms with his former partner and her current partner.

The case was adjourned for finalisation until July 9.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.