Man charged with trying to throw a garda into the River Lee

The accused was allegedly trying to avoid a drugs search, the court heard

The court heard the garda saw the defendant in what appeared to be a drugs transaction on Union Quay across from the School of Music. File picture: Larry Cummins

An attempt was made to throw a member of An Garda Síochána over a railing and into the River Lee by a man desperately trying to avoid a drugs search, it was alleged in court.

Gardaí objected to bail being granted to 25-year-old Luca Pirani who was living at an apartment at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork.

Donal Daly, solicitor, said the young man who was before the court charged with trying to evade a drugs search and assaulting a garda had citizenship in Brazil and Italy, had been living in Ireland since February 2022 and had no conviction in any country.

Mr Daly said the garda’s injuries consisted of bruising and that the accused should be granted bail as it could take nine to 12 months for the case to come to trial.

However, Judge Monica Leech said: “Horrendous allegations are made in this case. This is effectively a multi-pronged allegation against the accused, charged not only with assaulting a member of An Garda Síochána in the course of his duty but also evasion of a drugs search.” 

Judge Leech decided after hearing the application by the 25-year-old at Cork District Court that bail should be refused. On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, the accused was remanded in custody to allow time for DPP directions.

Garda testimony

Sergeant Elaine Gallery gave evidence of the incident where Garda Shane Creed was in plain clothes and showed the defendant his garda identification card and indicated that he was to be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act, on suspicion of having drugs.

The incident occurred at around 10pm on April 29 when he observed the defendant in what appeared to be a drugs transaction on Union Quay.

“Before Garda Creed was able to call for assistance, Luca Pirani allegedly became extremely aggressive and violent and started to punch Garda Creed repeatedly in the head and gave him at least one headbutt.

“Garda Creed was able to pin the defendant against the railing on the riverbank across from the School of Music on Union Quay.

“At this point it is alleged that Luca Pirani attempted to pick Garda Creed up by the legs in what Garda Creed believes was an attempt to push him over the railing into the River Lee.

“Garda Creed was able to break free. 

Luca Pirani was observed throwing a plastic bag, believed to contain suspected drugs, into the River Lee.

“During the altercation, Garda Creed’s Tetra radio was knocked to the ground leaving Garda Creed with no means to call for assistance as he struggled to stop Mr Pirani from assaulting him.

“A Good Samaritan arrived and assisted the garda by retrieving his radio and immediately calling for assistance,” Sgt Gallery said.

She added that Garda Creed’s injuries included swelling and bruising to his face and a bite mark to his shoulder. It is alleged that the defendant had €300 of cannabis and €140 of cocaine when searched.