Heated row led to young motorist dragging Cork man along with driver’s open door

The court heard that the defendant's 'narrative was that his girlfriend was the ex-girlfriend of another person present (not the injured party)'

There were emotional scenes in court as the young man was taken away to commence the period in custody between now and February 26. File picture: Larry Cummins

A verbal row got so heated that the young driver of a car in Crosshaven reversed suddenly — dragging another man along with the open driver’s door causing him serious injury.

That was the scenario described by Garda Joe Halpin at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Sinead Behan adjourned the sentencing hearing and remanded the accused, Kyle Edwards, in custody until February 26 for finalisation.

There were emotional scenes in court as the young man was taken away to commence the period in custody between now and February 26. Judge Behan reminded one of those involved in the outburst that the court must be respected particularly where it was dealing with a case where a person suffered serious injuries.

The 21-year-old motorist pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to another man in Crosshaven on Christmas week 2022.

Kyle Edwards previously of The Pines, Bridgemount, Carrigaline, admitted that on December 18, 2022, at The Square, Crosshaven, County Cork, he drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public causing serious bodily harm to Patrick Crowley.

And on the same date at Lower Road, Crosshaven, Mr Edwards had cannabis in his possession for his own use.

Donal O’Sullivan, senior counsel, said at the time the defendant was 19. He was insured and licensed to drive.

“He left the scene but the reality is that everyone around there knew him. And he knew that they did. He has no previous convictions. On the night he gave a version of events. He made admissions. His narrative was that his girlfriend was the ex-girlfriend of another person present (not the injured party).

They told the gardaí they wanted him to stop drink-driving but he gave a different account — that he was under threat. 

"He is someone who has the potential to do well in life,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Garda Joe Halpin said the defendant was parked, the injured party approached and spoke to him with the driver’s door open.

“He put his car into reverse. Patrick Crowley was struck by the open door and dragged out on to the square. He was dragged across the road. The car rolled over him as it was driven away. His principle injury was a fractured left hip,” Garda Halpin testified.