Driver ‘caused permanent deformity’ to garda finger
Man accused of assault & theft
A FORKLIFT driver accused of causing “life-long lasting deformities” to a garda’s finger has been granted €1,500 bail.
Officers responded to a call about a driving incident at Gulliver’s Retail Park, Ballymun, North Dublin, at around 11.30 am on Saturday.
Daniel Quinn, 32, is accused of assault causing harm to the officer and theft of two cans of Red Bull worth €6 from a shop.
He was also charged with dangerous driving, criminal damage to a roadside steel bollard and a garda station cell door and blanket.
Quinn, of Farnham Drive, Finglas applied for bail, which was opposed by Garda Sgt Aidan Monaghan who alleged the accused was caught redhanded assaulting an officer on duty.
He showed the court photos of the injury, which he described as “life-long lasting deformities to his finger” and said their full extent was unknown. The court heard other officers witnessed the incident and there was CCTV evidence.
It was alleged Quinn hit a bollard and failed a roadside drug drive test which showed results for cocaine, cannabis and benzodiazepine.
Defence solicitor Tracy Horan argued the threshold had not been reached to deny bail. She said the State was on “shaky ground” while her client had the presumption of innocence.
Judge Treasa Kelly granted bail in the defendant’s bond of €500, of which €300 must be lodged.
Furthermore, she sought a €1,000 independent surety.
The sergeant addressed the court about the bail money and a Garda station where Quinn would sign on. He cited other cases involving alleged attacks on gardai where bail was set at €10,000. Ms Horan argued that was not correct case law and Quinn’s means had to be considered
The court heard he had been off sick and had been receiving social welfare since before Christmas.
It was further told Quinn was due to return to work and earn €450 a week.
Sgt Monaghan claimed the accused had three cars, an Audi, a BMW and a Mercedes, which was the subject of this case.
Ms Horan told the court she was flabbergasted at this evidence and added it had not been brought to her attention before.
Quinn interjected and told the court some of the cars had been scrapped.
The officer said it was expected the DPP would direct trial on indictment in a higher court. Assault can carry a maximum five-year term, but the court heard further charges could be brought.
Sgt Monaghan also claimed the driving had caused serious risk of harm to members of the public.
Ms Horan said the accused’s partner, who was in court, was heavily pregnant and intended to stand bail.
He would reside with her at an address in Northwood, Santry, in North Dublin.
Judge Kelly did not change the bail amount and ordered the accused to sign on daily at Finglas Garda station, not drive any motor vehicle, reside at the new address provided and surrender his passport.
She remanded him in custody with consent to bail on these terms to appear at Cloverhill District Court tomorrow. Quinn, who has yet to indicate a plea, was granted legal aid.