Bail refused for driver who admits hitting men

Bail was yesterday refused for a Limerick man who, it was claimed, made full and frank admissions of being the driver of a car which struck three elderly men in Parteen village last Thursday while being pursued by gardaí.

Gardaí objected to a bail application by Michael Sheehan, aged 26, of Cliona Park, Moyross.

It was alleged at Limerick District Court that Sheehan was linked to burglaries in Aherina and Doonass in east Clare last week.

Detective Garda Ronan O’Reilly alleged Sheehan was one of two men disturbed at the scene of a burglary in Doonass.

He told the court a witness saw two men inside the house. A 99 L-registered Hyundai Accent was spotted parked on the property before the men fled the scene, ramming the driveway gates, causing damage, and narrowly avoiding the witness.

Having fled, Det Garda O’Reilly claimed the accused encountered a marked patrol car which gave chase.

Following an “unfortunate” but serious road traffic accident, the Hyundai Accent — which Sheehan admitted driving — hit three pensioners, leaving one critically injured.

Det Garda O’Reilly said the vehicle was eventually secured. It would be alleged, he stated, that a number of items of stolen property were found in the vehicle.

Sheehan fled the scene but was later apprehended “a good distance away”, Det Garda O’Reilly said.

The court heard that, while in custody, Sheehan allegedly made “full and frank admissions” to committing burglaries and to being the owner and driver of the vehicle.

John Devane, defending, said his client was seeking bail “under the strictest conditions” to allow him seek addiction counselling.

Judge Eugene O’Kelly refused the bail application. Sheehan was remanded in custody until October 14 to appear via video link from Limerick Prison.