Driver in the dock for leading gardaí on a high-speed chase
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A YOUNG man will appear before the next sitting of Carlow Circuit Court later this month on charges in connection with a high-speed garda chase.
The shocking incident, which happened last October, involved a driver failing to stop for gardaí and taking off and driving at speed out the Kilkenny Road and down as far as Leighlinbridge before gardaí managed to stop the car. Four gardaí were hospitalised as a result of the incident, while several squad cars were damaged during the pursuit. Three other people were in the car at the time, but Richard Davis of Cranagh, Stradbally, Co Laois was the only person who was before Carlow District Court last week.
Garda Caroline O’Malley served 23-year-old Mr Davis with a book of evidence in relation to the events that unfurled on 5 October last and he’s to face nine charges in the circuit court on 20 May. The charges include two counts of false imprisonment, three counts of criminal damage, three counts of driving in a manner that led other drivers to take evasive action and a single charge of failing to stop. The location of the incidents are listed as Staplestown Road, Carlow, Powerstown and Rathvinden, Leighlinbridge.
State solicitor Brendan O’Flaherty said that other charges were pending against Mr Davis in relation to the incident and they were adjourned to the district court until 9 July.
Solicitor Chris Hogan asked for legal aid to be extended to one counsel, which Judge Geraldine Carthy granted.
No evidence about the case was given, other than the charges, and Mr Davis was released on bail, to appear before the circuit court on 20 May.
