Man accused of attempted murder of police officer remanded in custody

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

A man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of the attempted murder of a police officer in Downpatrick last weekend.

It comes after a stolen police car was driven at the officer during an incident in Colmcille Road in the Co Down town on Sunday which was condemned by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a “horrific incident”.

On Thursday morning, Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court heard that the officer remains in hospital, and is “seriously unwell”, having sustained a broken wrist, a crush injury to a leg which they cannot put weight on, injuries to the head, cuts and abrasions, and is in “a great deal of pain”.

Conor Carey, 36, of Glassheena Road in Downpatrick, appeared in court.

He has been charged with attempted murder in relation to the incident.

Carey is also charged with aggravated vehicle taking causing injury on the same date and driving without insurance.

He replied “yes” when asked whether he understood the charges.

A detective sergeant said he can connect the accused to the charges.

A defence lawyer for Carey said his client “strenuously denies any involvement in the matter”.

He said there would be no application for bail at this stage, but may be in the near future.

The case was adjourned to June 18th.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Kieran Turley, 27, from Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, appeared before the town’s magistrates’ court charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court again later in June.