Man accused of swinging plank at first responder at scene of Cork crash remanded in custody 

A motorist accused of swinging a plank of timber at a first responder offering him assistance at the scene of a crash has been remanded in custody until September 21.

Judge David Waters remanded 39-year-old Michael Delaney of Bilberry halting site, Waterford, in custody on the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Michael Delaney faces charges that include production of an article, namely a length of timber, in the course of a dispute; dangerous driving; having no licence or insurance, and other charges related to allegedly failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

Details of the alleged incident on the afternoon of Saturday, August 29, were outlined by Garda Jamie Shine as he objected to bail being granted to the accused man at Cork District Court.

“Gardai were dispatched to Popham's Road following a report of a two-vehicle collision. On arrival at the scene gardaí were met with by a first responder, who had witnessed the incident. 

"The first responder reported to gardaí that while attempting to treat the driver of the Seat Exeo, before he fled the scene, that the driver produced a timber plank and swung it at him in a threatening manner, resulting in him having to retreat in order to not be struck.

“The traffic collision was captured on the dashcam of the vehicle owned by the first responder and the footage was provided to gardaí. The production of the timber plank was also captured on CCTV, and the driver of the Seat Exeo was identified as Michael Delaney. The timber plank was not recovered.

“Michael Delaney was later arrested and detained at Gurranabraher Garda Station where he was subsequently interviewed. Michael Delaney made no admissions in interview and denied any involvement in the incident despite being identified on CCTV.” 

Garda Shine said the first responder referred to in evidence was part of an ambulance crew passing the scene at the time of the collision.

Diane Hallahan solicitor said it was not alleged that the plank made contact with a person and that he was not charged with assault. Garda Shine confirmed that this was the case.