Bail for man on garda car ram charges
A MAN who allegedly twice rammed a Garda car in Dublin city centre resulting in two officers being hospitalised has been granted bail.
The gardai were taken to the Mater University Hospital shortly after the incident around midday on Friday and were discharged that night.
Declan Murphy, 48, of The Orchard, Greenwood, Ayrfield, Dublin, a carer at a homeless shelter, appeared in court yesterday charged with two counts of criminal damage and one of dangerous driving at North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
Garda Sergeant Nigel Petrie told Judge Brendan Toale he objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and possible witness interference.
Sergeant Petrie alleged that at about 12.20pm the accused approached a patrol car carrying Garda Philip Carroll and Garda Shane Barrett who was driving. The patrol car had been stopped at traffic lights when the accused attempted an “unwanted approach” and interaction with Garda Barrett who knew him and declined.
The court heard he told him to speak to his sergeant. It was alleged the accused said “wait and see what happens so” and the garda car moved on when the lights turned green.
The court heard the driver of a black 2020-reg Renault Cleo rammed the garda car from the rear, pursued it and rammed it a second time on the driver’s side.
The court heard it caused significant damage and the two officers were taken to hospital for treatment for pain. The court was told that the accused waited at the scene and gave gardai his licence.
The judge also heard there was an ongoing issue between the accused and Garda Barrett and it was feared he could approach him again.
Mr Murphy’s solicitor Sean Mccormack said his client would abide by any conditions.
Judge Toale granted bail on a bond of €100 and ordered him to sign on daily at Raheny Garda station, stay out of parts of north Dublin except for work or visits to his parents and have no contact with Garda Barrett.
He ordered him to appear again on January 4 pending directions from the DPP.