Cork man accused of trying to throw garda into River Lee to evade drug search remanded in custody

Court heard defendant became extremely aggressive with garda who was going to search him on suspicion of having drugs and punched him before picking him up by the legs in what garda believed was an attempt to push him over the railing into the River Lee

It is alleged the defendant had €300 of cannabis and €140 of cocaine when searched. He is also charged with trying to evade a drugs search and assaulting a garda. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A young man accused of attempting to throw a member of An Garda Síochána over a railing and into the River Lee in a desperate effort to avoid a drugs search was remanded in custody until June 4.

Sergeant John Dineen told Cork District Court directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions and asked if the defendant would consent to a four-week adjournment. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said there would only be consent to a two-week remand in custody.

Mr Collins-Daly said in respect of the bail refusal when the matter first came before the district court, the accused man, 25-year-old Luca Pirani, who was living in an apartment on North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork, had a bail appeal due to be heard at the High Court.

Adjourning the case until June 4, Judge Catherine Ryan told the young man he was obliged to appear in person if he was granted bail.

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

The incident occurred at about 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 Garda Creed’s injuries included swelling and bruising to his face and a bite mark to his shoulder.

It is alleged the defendant had €300 of cannabis and €140 of cocaine when searched. He is also charged with trying to evade a drugs search and assaulting a garda.