Garda praised for role during chase

A motorcycle garda who anticipated a potentially fatal accident and stopped traffic on a junction of the main Cork/Mallow road was seriously injured when struck by a stolen van, and yesterday, he was commended for his outstanding professionalism as the culprit got a 12-year jail term.

John Paul O’Driscoll, aged 27, of no fixed address, originally from Fairhill, was jailed for 12 years and banned from driving for life by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Sergeant Pat Lyons testified yesterday someone could have been killed or injured but for the actions of Garda Michael Twomey, and the fact the dangerous driving escapade across Cork city and county occurred on Good Friday.