Man escaped from Garda custody through station window

A 32-year-old man escaped from Dundalk garda station while speaking with a solicitor, the district court has heard.

Conor Brady got out a small window before being caught at nearby Clarke railway station.

The defendant, of 124 Oakland Park, Cox’s Demesne, pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from lawful custody on 10 September, 2019.

Evidence was given that Brady was in consultation with his solicitor at the garda station when an alarm sounded in the room.

Gardaí who responded saw him climbing out a small top window. An officer grabbed him, but as most of Brady’s body was already out, he couldn’t hold on and the defendant broke free and escaped.

He ran into the Civil Defence premises, onto the Carrick Road and towards the train station where he was subsequently arrested.

Judge McKiernan heard Brady has 54 previous convictions, and is currently on remand for a circuit criminal court matter, having surrendered bail.

Solicitor Cathy Donald said her client had a moment of panic on this occasion. He saw an opportunity without appreciating the consequences.

The charges he was in the station for were struck out by the direction of the DPP.

Ms. Donald added Brady holds a trusted position in custody.

He is remorseful over what happened. It was pure folly.

The judge imposed a twomonth sentence.