Men held again after high-speed chase

Two men facing charges arising out of the investigation of a high-speed chase in Cork on April 18, in which a motorcycle garda was seriously injured, were back in Cork District Court yesterday.

John Paul O’Driscoll, aged 27, of no fixed address, and Damian Fitzgerald, aged 26, of 62 Inniscarra Rd, Fairhill, Cork, had been remanded in custody from last week.

They were further held by Judge Con O’Leary until Tuesday, April 29, when their bail applications will be heard.

O’Driscoll, who is originally from Fairhill, is charged with seven offences, including taking a van at MacCurtain St on April 17 and theft from the Vienna Woods Hotel in Glanmire on April 18.

O’Driscoll is also accused of dangerous driving at Rochestown Rd, Parnell Place, Brian Boru Bridge, Glencaum, Rathduff, and Clogheenmilcon, Blarney, all on Apr 18.

Fitzgerald is charged with allowing himself be carried in a stolen vehicle at Lower Killeens, Blarney, on April 17.

Fitzgerald is also charged with theft of property from the function room bar at the Vienna Woods Hotel.

After being charged, Mr O’Driscoll replied: “I’m sorry, and I’m sorry for the guard.”

Mr Fitzgerald walked with a pronounced limp yesterday and had visible injuries to his face.