November 10, 2026 - 125 views
A man who drove a stolen taxi the wrong way along the A55 after hitting a cyclist in Holyhead has been jailed for three years.
Darragh O’Grady, 31, of no fixed abode but originally from Ireland, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday, November 10, after admitting a series of driving and other offences.
The incident happened on the evening of August 24, when O’Grady stole a taxi from Holborn Road in Holyhead, having arrived at the port by ferry earlier that day.
His driving prompted multiple calls to police as other road users were forced to swerve out of his way. Several parked vehicles were also damaged.
He then collided with a cyclist on London Road, leaving them with serious and lasting injuries. O’Grady failed to stop and continued towards the A55, where he joined the westbound carriageway travelling against the direction of traffic.
Police closed the road and officers from the Roads Crime Unit brought the situation to a safe conclusion by stopping traffic before deploying a stinger to bring the taxi to a halt near Rhosneigr.
O’Grady 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.
Police said that, following searches, officers found bank cards and a mobile phone which had been reported stolen on the ferry O’Grady had travelled on earlier that day. He had spent more than £200 of the victim’s money.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nick Evans said O’Grady’s actions had been “reckless and inherently dangerous”.
He said the A55 was the main route to Holyhead Port and, given the national speed limit, it was incredibly fortunate that nobody had been killed.
He also praised the police officers involved and members of the public who had quickly raised the alarm about the driver’s behaviour.
O’Grady was jailed for three years.
