Joyride youth rammed garda car, court told

A TEENAGER driving a stolen car rammed a garda patrol car repeatedly, and with such ferocity, in the early hours of yesterday that it is now close to being a write-off, gardaí claimed yesterday.

The alleged incident happened at around 4am yesterday, it emerged at Cork District Court.

On November 25 last, the same defendant was sentenced to 12 months detention for driving a stolen car.

He has other related convictions.

The accused is 17 years old and his case had to be dealt with at an in-camera sitting of the court because he is regarded as a juvenile.

The defendant applied through free legal aid solicitor, Donal Daly, to be released on bail.

The State objected to that application.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc remanded him in custody until the Children’s Court on Monday, January 19.

Garda Andrew O’Connell said during his evidence in the case yesterday: “I believe if he is granted bail he will commit further crimes of this sort, taking cars without the consent of the owners.

“He tried to evade capture today. The patrol car was rammed with the stolen car. He reversed into the front of the patrol car several times.

“There was considerable damage to the patrol car. It is almost a write-off.”

It is alleged the defendant may have stolen a second car in the early hours of yesterday morning.

After the alleged ramming of the patrol car, it is claimed that the teenager fled the scene on foot.

However, he was arrested a short time later on his way back into the city.