Cork man told gardaí 'it’s dangerous out there' when found with a knuckleduster in stolen car

Gardaí had also established that the accused was a disqualified driver

The court heard the defendant was driving a car with extensive damage to windscreen and windows when he approached a garda checkpoint. File picture

A motorist in a stolen car was quizzed by gardaí about a knuckleduster found in the vehicle and he replied: “It’s dangerous out there”.

Judge Catherine Ryan said at Cork District Court: “There is no reason anyone should ever have a knuckleduster in their possession.” 

Christopher Nagle of 7 Riverview Estate, Tower, Blarney, County Cork, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the weapon and driving while uninsured and disqualified from driving, as well as driving a stolen car.

Judge Ryan said: “It is a seriously reckless act to drive while disqualified putting yourself and other road users at risk.” The judge imposed sentences totalling four months on the 33-year-old.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis outlined the background to the case: “Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint when a car with extensive damage to windscreen and windows approached the checkpoint.

“After carrying out enquiries, gardaí discovered that the registration number did not match make and model of the car. The driver, Christopher Nagle, claimed not to have driving licence on him. Gardaí established that Mr Nagle was a disqualified driver. 

“On further inspection of the vehicle gardaí observed that NCT, Motor Tax and Insurance discs (did not match the car).” Further enquiries confirmed that the vehicle was subject to unauthorised taking in Cork City.

After being cautioned Mr Nagle stated that he brought the car having seen a Facebook Marketplace ad but did not have any contact details for the seller or any proof of purchase. 

He claimed that he paid €5,000 for it and that he had a knuckleduster with him because "it is dangerous out there".

Christopher Nagle made certain admissions in respect of the offences and ultimately pleaded guilty at Cork District Court.

Frank Buttimer said that the explanation initially given by the accused did not stand up to scrutiny. He said a period already spent in custody had been positive for the accused in recovering from substance difficulties. 

“He has learned a salutary lesson,” Mr Buttimer said.