Cork motorist alleged to have struck garda with his car

An Audi A6 driver allegedly knocked down and injured a member of An Garda Síochána who informed him of the imminent seizure of the car for having no insurance.

Judge Mary Dorgan said the case was too serious for the district court and she refused to accept jurisdiction.

Seamus McCarthy, aged 54, of Ballybrack, Carrignavar, Glanmire, is charged that on August 2, 2024, at Curraheen Rd, Bishopstown, he did assault Garda Thomas Barry causing him harm contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, one count of dangerous driving and one of driving without insurance.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court when the allegations were outlined.

On the application of Sergeant Dave Delea the case was then adjourned for directions to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The case was adjourned until April 8 for that purpose.

Sgt Delea said in his outline of the allegations in the case against Mr McCarthy that at around 4pm on August 2, 2024, Garda Thomas Barry of the divisional roads policing unit was on duty at Curraheen Rd conducting a speed operation.

He stopped the defendant’s black Audi A6. Believing there was no insurance on the car, garda Barry informed him the car was being seized.

Garda Barry instructed him several times not to move the car but he allegedly began to reverse away from the guard.

It was alleged: “He then drove forward and collided with garda Barry causing him to fall to the ground. He then stopped a short distance away having pulled into a parking space and he remained in the car until additional gardaí arrived.

“Garda Barry was assisted by passers-by. He received injuries to his head, left arm and left leg and was brought to Cork University Hospital for treatment.”