Young Cork man flees custody as he is being brought to court

The accused said about his attempted escape: 'I didn’t know where I was going or what I was doing.'

The 21-year-old escaped from custody when he was being escorted from the Bridewell garda station (pictured) to Cork District Court on Anglesea Street. File picture: Denis Minihane

A young man charged with drug-dealing in Cork City escaped from custody when he was being escorted from the Bridewell garda station to Cork District Court on Anglesea Street.

However, the accused man, 21-year-old Jamie O’Connell was quickly re-arrested and brought before the court where gardaí objected to bail in his case.

Detective Garda Michael Walsh said: “He escaped from custody when he was being put in the van leaving the Bridewell. He took off on foot across the city centre. He was apprehended on Paul Street.” 

In the course of his bail application, Jamie O’Connell said: “I am not trying to avoid this, I just found myself in a bad predicament. My head has been all over the place. I didn’t know where I was going or what I was doing.” 

In relation to the charge of allegedly having drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others, Jamie O’Connell said: “I’ll tell you the truth, I was taking the majority of the drugs.” 

Judge David Waters refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until September 18.

In refusing bail, the judge said the main ground on which he was reaching this decision was the State’s concern that he might re-offend if released on bail.