Man faces dangerous driving charges

A man was arrested and charged with endangerment where it was alleged his driving caused a risk of death or serious injury to patrons attending a hurling match on Sunday.

Detective Garda Pádraig Harrington arrested Stephen Coveney, aged 25, of 2 Churchfield Green, Cork, and brought him before Cork District Court yesterday.

Mr Coveney did not apply to be released on bail. Judge John Cheatle remanded him in custody to appear in court by video link from prison tomorrow.

Mr Coveney faces six charges. Two of them are for endangerment, two for dangerous driving, and there is one each for driving without licence or insurance.

The first endangerment charge outlines a series of alleged actions by the defendant in the driving of a Mitsubishi Lancer at Boreenmanna Road, Cork, on Sunday.

The charges state Mr Coveney intentionally or recklessly engaged in conduct by driving at Sergeant Noel Madden, then reversing into a marked Garda car driven by Sergeant David Callaghan by accelerating forward. It is alleged that the defendant’s vehicle then hit a parked Toyota car which hit a Volkswagen Golf that had occupants sitting in it.

It is further alleged that the Mitsubishi driven by the accused attempted mounting the footpath, where a large crowd of people were walking into Páirc Uí Rinn for the Cork senior hurling semi-final, before coming to a stop after hitting a pole, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

He faces another endangerment charge related to the junction of Connolly Road and Pearse Road by allegedly driving at 110km/h; two for dangerous driving at Well Road and Tory Top Road; and the counts related to licence and insurance.