Cork man knocked down garda who told him he was seizing his car for having no insurance

Garda received injuries to his head, left arm and left leg in the incident, court heard

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025 - 17:43

Liam Heylin

An Audi A6 driver accused of knocking down a member of An Garda Síochána who informed him his car was about to be seized for having no insurance, pleaded guilty to three charges against him on Tuesday.

54-year-old Seamus McCarthy, of Ballybrack, Carrignavar, Glanmire, Co Cork, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to the three charges.

He admitted 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.

He also pleaded guilty to counts of dangerous driving and of driving without insurance.

Sergeant Dave Delea previously outlined the allegations against the accused when he was first in court.

It related to an incident at about 4pm on August 2, 2024, when Garda Thomas Barry of the divisional roads policing unit was on duty at Curraheen Road, Cork, 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.

Sergeant Delea said: “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.”

Brendan Kelly, defence barrister, said the there was no application for pre-sentencing reports. Prosecution barrister Mahon Corkery said a victim impact statement would be prepared in advance of sentencing.