Cork man who allegedly fled garda escort on way to court remanded in custody

The accused told the court: 'I am not trying to avoid this, I just found myself in a bad predicament.'

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 who allegedly escaped when he was being escorted from the Bridewell garda station to the courthouse was remanded in continuing custody until October 16.

21-year-old Jamie O’Connell of Cork Simon Community appeared before Cork District Court by video link from prison and Sergeant David Fleming said that so far there was no forensic certificate for the suspected crack cocaine and cannabis, so there were no directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Solicitor Eddie Burke told his client that he could be remanded in custody for a fortnight without his consent and for up to four weeks with his consent. 

Mr O’Connell would not consent to any more than two weeks as Judge David Waters adjourned the case. Mr Burke stressed that the defendant was not charged with escaping lawful custody.

Detective Garda Michael Walsh said recently in court: “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 charges 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.” 

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.

The drug-dealing charges relate to September 10 at an apartment on Cove Street, Cork, when he allegedly had crack cocaine worth €1,500 and over €200 worth of cannabis.