Garda patrol car rammed during pursuit in Limerick

A MAN who is accused of deliberately ramming a garda patrol car during a high-speed pursuit is facing trial before the circuit court.

A book of evidence has been served on Jimmy Harty, 43, of Sycamore Drive, Newbridge, County Kildare, who faces a number of charges relating to an incident in the early hours of November 16, 2018.

In addition to charges of endangerment and criminal damage, he is also accused of dangerous driving at a number of different locations.

Opposing bail, Detective Garda Dean Landers said it will be alleged that while on patrol at Childers Road at around 2.30am, he and a number of colleagues encountered a high-powered Audi A3 car which was being driven by Mr Harty.

He said it will be alleged the defendant increased his speed and attempted to avoid gardai resulting in a high speed pursuit taking place.

He told Sergeant Donal Cronin it will be alleged the Audi A3 entered the car park of Our Lady of Lourdes church where he reversed at the patrol car having first come to a complete stop.

The witness said two of his colleagues, who were armed, were approaching the car on foot when he reversed.

“He reversed at speed narrowly avoiding my colleagues. He hit the (patrol) car,” he said adding it will be further alleged Mr Harty then fled from the car park by driving over a grassed area.

Judge Marian O’Leary was told the pursuit continued along Rosbrien Road, through Punch’s Cross and onto Courtbrack Avenue where the Audi struck a roundabout and collided with an electricity pole.

The detective said a number of other people were in the car and that during the pursuit a plastic bag was thrown from the vehicle.

He said it will be alleged the bag, which was later recovered by gardai,  contained a quantity of cocaine.

Detective Garda Landers expressed concerns the defendant would not appear in court if released and would continue to engage in criminality.

Being cross-examined by Mr Harty’s barrister he accepted the defendant is not a flight risk but reiterated his belief he would appear in court. Having considered the objection, the judge said she was refusing bail.

She noted the book of evidence had been completed and a copy served on the defendant and that the DPP was consenting to the matter being sent forward to the present sittings of Limerick Circuit Court.

Given the current lists, the earliest date of any trial will be towards the end of this year.