Joshua Allen's garda assault and drug-driving case comes across 'issue'

Mr Allen, the eldest son of TV chef and author Rachel Allen, faces nine charges including allegedly driving a van at a garda, assaulting two gardaí, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possessing ketamine and a knife

Joshua Allen was remanded on continuing bail until November 19. File picture: Cork Courts Limited

An “issue” has arisen in the case of MMA fighter Joshua Allen and it has been adjourned to allow a new witness to give a statement.

Mr Allen, aged 26, faces nine charges including allegedly driving a van at a garda, assaulting two gardaí, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possessing ketamine and a knife.

He was due to enter a signed guilty plea or request a book of evidence at Midleton District Court on Thursday for a case which had already been directed to be prosecuted on indictment in the circuit court.

But defence solicitor, Don Ryan, had identified an “issue” in the case and is liaising with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Midleton District Court heard on Thursday.

Mr Ryan had written to the DPP in respect of the case, court presenter Sergeant Majella O’Sullivan told the court, and the DPP had asked for an adjournment by consent for a witness to provide a statement.

The DPP needed “time to consider” the matters which have been raised by Mr Ryan, Sgt O’Sullivan said. Judge Catherine Ryan adjourned the case until November 19.

Mr Allen, who was present in court wearing a black jacket, was remanded on continuing bail until that time.

Mr Allen, the eldest son of TV chef and author Rachel Allen, did not speak during the hearing. He faces charges arising from October 27, 2025, in the Shanagarry area of East Cork.

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".

He is also charged with dangerous driving on the R629 at Monagurra, Shanagarry, on October 27, 2025, and with driving while intoxicated on the R632 on the same date, having tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Five other charges relate to Shanagarry South, Ballycotton, including assault causing harm to Garda Patrick Costello, assaulting Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy and resisting the garda while he was executing his duty.

Mr Allen is further charged with unlawful possession of ketamine and possessing a sharply pointed knife. His final charge relates to dangerous driving at Shanagarry North, Co Cork.

He previously competed in mixed martial arts, having won a championship in Cork, and works as a stonemason and runs his own stonemasonry business.