MMA fighter Joshua Allen charged with assaulting gardaí and drug-driving offences
Joshua Allen. File picture
MMA fighter Joshua Allen has been charged with allegedly driving a van at a garda, assaulting two gardaí, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possessing ketamine and a knife.
Mr Allen, 26, appeared before Midleton District Court on Thursday facing nine charges, all dating from October 27, 2025, and allegedly committed in the Shanagarry area of east Cork, near Ballymaloe House and Cookery School, founded by members of the Allen family.
Although Mr Allen, the eldest son of TV chef and author Rachel Allen, was due to either enter a guilty plea or request a book of evidence to contest the charges, the case was adjourned because of the solicitors' industrial action.
Mr Allen is charged with failing to stop a red Ford Transit van at a garda checkpoint and driving it "at speed" at Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy, "forcing him to take evasive action to avoid being struck, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another".
The alleged offence is said to have occurred on the R629 at Monagurra, Shanagarry, Co Cork, and is contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
He is also charged with dangerous driving on the R629 at Monagurra, Shanagarry, Co Cork, on October 27, 2025.
A further charge alleges he drove while intoxicated on the R632 on the same date, having tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.
Five other charges relate to an address at Shanagarry South, Ballycotton.
Mr Allen, of Ballinamona, Shanagarry, Co Cork, is charged with assault causing harm to Garda Patrick Costello at Shanagarry South on October 27, 2025.
The alleged offence is contrary to Sections 3(1) and 3(2) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, as amended.
At the same location, he is also charged with assaulting Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
He is further charged with resisting Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy while the officer was executing his duty, contrary to Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended.
Mr Allen is also charged with unlawful possession of ketamine, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He also allegedly possessed a sharply pointed knife, contrary to Section 9(1) and (7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
His final charge relates to dangerous driving at Shanagarry North, Co Cork.
Court presenter Sergeant Linda O’Leary said a decision had been expected on whether Mr Allen would enter a signed guilty plea or request a book of evidence.
Sgt O’Leary said she assumed the case would be adjourned and suggested September as the next available date.
Judge Colm Roberts addressed Mr Allen directly in Midleton District Court.
Mr Allen, who appeared in court without legal representation, stood to address the judge.
Judge Roberts said he had to speak directly to Mr Allen because, due to the solicitors' industrial action, he could not communicate through his solicitor, Don Ryan, who was also present in court.
The judge asked Mr Allen whether he had decided to enter a signed plea or request a book of evidence.
“I’m unclear if you have made a decision or if you need legal advice,” Judge Roberts said.
“As much as I understand the difficulties of solicitors, they are not my number one concern.
“People being charged criminally are my concern so I have to speak to each person individually if they have no solicitor.
“Have you made a decision on a signed plea or a book of evidence?”
Mr Allen replied: “I was going to ask for an adjournment please.”
Judge Roberts replied: “I understand Mr Allen.”
However, he warned that the situation "can only go so far".
“As much as I have concern regarding your rights, I also have concern for the courts’ rights, for the community’s rights.”
Judge Roberts granted the application for an adjournment but warned Mr Allen that, even if the solicitors' industrial action continued, he would eventually have to indicate how he intended to plead.
“This can only go so far,” Judge Roberts said.
Mr Allen said: “I understand, thank you very much.”
The case was adjourned until September 17.
Wearing a navy shirt and dark jacket, Mr Allen nodded to his solicitor, Don Ryan, before leaving the court.
Mr Allen has competed successfully in mixed martial arts, having won a championship in Cork. He also works as a stonemason and runs his own stonemasonry business.
His great-grandmother, Myrtle Allen, founded the internationally renowned Ballymaloe House.
The business has since expanded under Darina Allen and Rachel Allen, who are both celebrity chefs and authors. The Ballymaloe estate also includes a cookery school, food festival and other associated businesses.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
