MMA fighter Joshua Allen given three weeks to decide on nine Cork charges

MMA fighter Joshua Allen has been given three weeks to decide whether to plead guilty or contest nine charges including allegedly driving a van at a garda, assaulting two gardaí, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possessing ketamine and a knife.

Mr Allen, 26, was due to enter a signed guilty plea or request a book of evidence at Midleton District Court today, but his solicitor, Don Ryan, sought an adjournment until October 8.

Mr Allen, the eldest son of TV chef and author Rachel Allen, faces charges arising from October 27, 2025, in the Shanagarry area of East Cork.

His case was previously adjourned in July during solicitors' industrial action. Mr Ryan said he had been in contact with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking clarification on certain matters.

Judge Colm Roberts said he had already given Mr Allen ample time to decide whether to plead or contest the charges.

Court presenter Sergeant Majella O’Sullivan said the DPP had already given directions in the case and the court did not have the authority to change what had been directed.

“This matter has been before the courts since November 2025, it makes no sense that you are still looking for clarifications,” Judeg Robers said.

Mr Ryan said this was his client’s first date to either enter a plea or request a book of evidence. The next Circuit Court date was in late October, he said, but he was seeking only a brief adjournment until October 8.

Judge Roberts said he had already allowed Mr Allen two months, which was “significant time” to consider whether to plead or contest the charges.

He said he wanted to avoid adjournments and get business done efficiently in his court.

Mr Ryan said he remained in contact with the DPP and that the process was almost concluded.

Judge Roberts allowed the adjournment until October 8 but warned that a signed plea or book of evidence must be requested by then.

“But we all have to do our best to reduce adjournments,” Judge Roberts said.

Charges before the court 

Mr Allen is charged with failing to stop a red Ford Transit van at a garda checkpoint and driving it "at speed" at Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy, "forcing him to take evasive action to avoid being struck, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another".

He is also charged with dangerous driving on the R629 at Monagurra, Shanagarry, on October 27, 2025, and with driving while intoxicated on the R632 on the same date, having tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Five other charges relate to Shanagarry South, Ballycotton, including assault causing harm to Garda Patrick Costello, assaulting Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy and resisting the garda while he was executing his duty.

Mr Allen is further charged with unlawful possession of ketamine and possessing a sharply pointed knife. His final charge relates to dangerous driving at Shanagarry North, Co Cork.

Mr Allen did not speak during the hearing.

He has previously competed in mixed martial arts, having won a championship in Cork, and works as a stonemason and runs his own stonemasonry business.