Driver in court after M11 incident

A 24-YEAR-OLD MAN appeared before Wexford District Court following a car chase on the M11 which resulted in the road being closed for a number of hours earlier that day.

Mark McDonagh of 4 Maple Grove, Bray, Co Wicklow, faced charges of criminal damage, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a driving licence, and possession of drugs on December 22.

While on patrol, Gardas Power and Lally from Gorey Garda Station said they witnessed Mr McDonagh driving a Toyota Avensis in the Ballyellin area shortly after midnight on December 22.

Aware there was a warrant out for his arrest, they pursued Mr McDonagh who failed to stop and began to ‘drive erratically across both lanes of traffic’.

The car being driven by Mr McDonagh then collided with a safety barrier, the court heard, and he fled on foot. When Gdas Lally and Power apprehended Mr McDonagh, they said he resisted arrest and had to be subdued with pepper spray.

The court heard that as a result of the collision, the M11 was closed overnight and the estimated cost of repairs is €15,000.

Objecting to defence solicitor Lana Doherty’s application for bail, Gda Lally said: ‘Due to the seriousness of the crime, the fact he (Mr McDonagh) put the lives of others at risk in the manner of his driving, I would object to bail.

‘He was also in possession of cannabis when caught and is currently on bail for five different charges, including two criminal damage charges, a misuse of drugs charge, and theft.

‘He was requested to sign on at Bray Garda Station in May of this year but has failed to sign on since July 10. I believe he will continue to engage in serious criminal offences and continue to drive if bail is permitted.’

Ms Doherty noted that the issues regarding Mr McDonagh’s breaches of bail would have to go the Circuit Court and were not relevant to this alleged offence.

She also noted that another man had been arrested following the crash. Gda Lally confirmed this and said the other man had been a passenger in the car.

Applying for bail, Ms Doherty said: ‘Gardai should make an application with regards to my client’s breach of bail to the Circuit Court.

‘ The estimation of criminal damage may need to be clarified and assessed. Also, my client hasn’t been able to put his side of the story forward as of yet.’

However, Judge John Cheatle rejected Ms Doherty’s application.

‘I’m satisfied that Mr McDonagh represents a serious flight risk given that he already has five bench warrants issued in 2020. He will stay in custody. I ask him to appear at Cloverhill District Court on December 29 at 10 a.m. via video link.’

During that court sitting, Mr McDonagh was further remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court again today (January 12).