Cork motorist allegedly knocked down garda before imminent seizure of Audi

The court heard the alleged incident took place after the garda thought there was no insurance on the car

The incident is said to have allegedly happened after the Garda stopped the defendant’s black Audi A6 at a checkpoint. 

An Audi A6 driver allegedly knocked down and injured a member of An Garda Síochána who informed him of the imminent seizure of the car for having no insurance.

Judge Mary Dorgan said the case was too serious for the district court and she refused to accept jurisdiction.

54-year-old Seamus McCarthy of Ballybrack, Carrignavar, Glanmire, County Cork, is charged that on August 2, 2024, at Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, Cork, he did assault Garda Thomas Barry causing him harm contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, one count of dangerous driving and one of driving without insurance.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court when the allegations were outlined. On the application of Sergeant Dave Delea the case was then adjourned for directions to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The case was adjourned until April 8 for that purpose.

Sgt Delea said in his outline of the allegations in the case against Mr McCarthy that at around 4pm on August 2, 2024, Garda Thomas Barry of the divisional roads policing unit was on duty at Curraheen Road conducting a speed operation. He stopped the defendant’s black Audi A6. 

Believing there was no insurance on the car, Garda Barry informed him the car was being seized. Garda Barry instructed him several times not to move the car but he allegedly began to reverse away from the guard.

It was alleged: “He then drove forward and collided with Garda Barry causing him to fall to the ground. He then stopped a short distance away having pulled into a parking space and he remained in the car until additional gardaí arrived.

“Garda Barry was assisted by passers-by. He received injuries to his head, left arm and left leg and was brought to Cork University Hospital for treatment.”