Darragh O'Grady, 31, from Dublin, has been jailed for three years after stealing a minibus in Holyhead, hitting a cyclist and driving the wrong way along the A55 while under the influence of cocaine, Valium and alcohol.

O'Grady was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday 10 November. He was also banned from driving for five and a half years and must pass an extended driving test before he can drive again in the UK.

Caernarfon Crown Court heard that O'Grady had arrived in Holyhead by ferry on Monday 24 August to visit his uncle. That day he stole a mobile phone and bank cards from a fellow ferry passenger and used the cards to spend the victim's money.

That evening he stole a minibus belonging to a local taxi firm, Tacsi Zoe, from Holborn Road in Holyhead. He drove it around the town before colliding with cyclist Richard Owen Roberts on London Road. Mr Roberts was struck by the vehicle's wing mirror, knocked unconscious and taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital, where he was treated for two broken ribs, a cut to his liver and widespread abrasions.

Wrong-way drive on the A55

O'Grady did not stop after hitting the cyclist. He continued onto the westbound carriageway of the A55, travelling in the wrong direction at speed while swerving between lanes. Other motorists had to swerve out of his way, and several parked vehicles were damaged.

Police received multiple calls from concerned road users, closed the A55 and deployed a stinger to stop the vehicle near Rhosneigr, where O'Grady was arrested and taken into custody. Footage released by police showed O'Grady giving a thumbs-up on camera while he was behind the wheel.

The court heard that O'Grady had taken Valium and cocaine and had drunk alcohol on the day of the offences. He had pleaded guilty to seven offences, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, theft and fraud by false representation.

Sentence and police reaction

Judge Timothy Petts sentenced O'Grady to three years in prison. The cyclist was left with serious and lasting injuries.

Following the sentencing, 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."