Irish Independent
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DUBLIN, Ire. — A MAN who stole an ambulance from outside a patient’s home has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, with the last six suspended.
Wayne Hankey (24) was high on a “cocktail of alcohol and drugs” when he took the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance from outside an apartment block on Cork Street.
An ambulance crew had been called to attend to an ill woman who was in the apartment block and they left the ambulance running with the keys in the ignition.
Hankey, of Pearse House, then drove the vehicle at speed and when later cornered by gardai, drove it directly at them, forcing them to jump out of the way.
Hankey, who was first convicted for larceny aged 11 years old, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawfully taking the ambulance, dangerous driving, endangerment and criminal damage of an Opel Vectra on July 15, 2006.
Defence counsel Caroline Biggs BL, told Judge Martin Nolan that Hankey had slipped into the use of cocaine and ‘ecstasy’ after succumbing to peer pressure and had no recollection of the incident with the ambulance.
“He is shocked and disgusted by his behaviour that night,” Ms Biggs said.
Judge Nolan suspended the last six months of the sentence, which is to be served consecutive to a 12-month term Hankey is currently serving. He also disqualified him from driving for two years and one day.
Judge Nolan said that Hankey should have more insight into his own behaviour at this stage in his life and know that taking drinks and drugs affects his judgment.
“I hope you reflect upon your future,” he told Hankey before saying that he was impressed by a letter that he had written for the court.
“It seems to express an intelligence,” he said.
Garda Rory Heffernan told the court that it was standard procedure for Dublin Fire Brigade staff to leave the keys in the ambulance.