Man accused of trying to throw garda into River Lee to evade drug search allowed out on bail

The court had heard that the alleged incident happened across from the School of Music on Union Quay in Cork City. File picture: Larry Cummins 

The 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 is now out on bail and made his first court appearance since his release from custody.

Refused bail at Cork District Court, Luca Pirani got bail at the High Court, but it was only with the lodgement of €15,000 cash as an independent surety that he was able to get out. Now that has been done.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy confirmed the accused was now on bail and that DPP directions were awaited. Judge Miriam Walsh adjourned the case until July 28 to allow time for those directions.

25-year-old Luca Pirani with an address at an apartment at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork, faces a number of charges.

Sergeant Elaine Gallery previously gave evidence of the alleged 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 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. He is also charged with trying to evade a drugs search and assaulting a garda.