Man deliberately drove van at two security staff outside premises in Douglas

A motorist deliberately drove his van at two security staff outside a premises in East Village in Douglas following an argument with them and now he has been jailed for five months.

43-year-old Colum Buckley of Rose Cottage, Paud’s Cross, Blarney, County Cork, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and related charges.

Judge Olann Kelleher said the defendant deliberately drove his van while drunk at two men and that this was not acceptable. The judge also remarked that the defendant's previous criminal record was so bad that he could not suspend the sentence in this case.

The judge sentenced him to five months for dangerous driving, a concurrent two months for threatening behaviour and fined him €200 for being so drunk that he was a danger to others.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said that on August 7 Garda Eoghain O’Callaghan attended East Village, Douglas.

“On arrival he observed Colum Buckley being restrained by two security personnel. Garda O’Callaghan spoke to him and he immediately became aggressive and volatile towards gardaí. He was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

“Garda O’Callaghan had to handcuff him due to his aggression and he was conveyed to Togher garda station.

“A number of witnesses informed him that Colum Buckley had driven deliberately at them and tried to knock down two members of the public shortly before the arrival of gardaí.

“Earlier he was asked to leave after getting into an argument in the premises (with another customer). He remained outside and got in to an argument with the two men.

“Having undertaken this manoeuvre (dangerous driving) he tried to drive away but they got him out of the van and held on to him (until gardaí arrived),” Sgt Lyons said.

Joseph Cuddigan solicitor said the accused had chronic alcohol difficulties and other addiction difficulties but had now faced up to those and was clear of intoxicants.