Man sentenced after driving wrong way on A55

A man who drove a car the wrong way on the A55 has been sentenced.

Darragh O’Grady, of no fixed abode but from Ireland, appeared for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, today Tuesday 10 November.

The 31-year-old previously admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and other driving offences.

He also admitted theft and fraud by false representation.

During the evening of 24 August, O’Grady stole a taxi from Holborn Road in Holyhead after arriving at the port by ferry earlier that day.

Police said his manner of driving led to multiple calls into the control room as road users had to swerve out of his way. Several parked vehicles were also damaged.

Shortly after, he collided with a cyclist on London Road who sustained serious and lasting injuries.

O’Grady did not stop and continued to drive the taxi onto the westbound carriageway of the A55, travelling in the wrong direction.

Officers from the Roads Crime Unit safely stopped traffic before deploying a stinger to stop the vehicle near Rhosneigr.

He was arrested and taken into police custody.

Following searches, officers found bank cards and a mobile phone which had been reported as stolen on the ferry that O’Grady had travelled on earlier that day. In that time, he had spent over £200 of the victim’s money.

He was jailed for three years. O’Grady was also disqualified from driving for five and a half years.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nick Evans said: “O’Grady’s actions that evening were reckless and inherently dangerous.

“The A55 is the main route to Holyhead Port and at national speed limit, it is incredibly lucky that no fatalities occurred.

“Without the courageous response by officers to resolve the situation, the consequences could have been devastating.

“I once again thank the community for quickly raising the alert to O’Grady’s behaviour and their support throughout this investigation.”