sent for trial | 

Dublin man accused of pursuing garda vehicle and ramming it twice with his car

Declan Murphy (48) had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared in Dublin District Court today

Today at 15:07

A DUBLIN man has been sent for trial accused of endangerment after allegedly pursuing a garda vehicle and ramming it twice with his car.

Declan Murphy (48) had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared in Dublin District Court today.

Judge Gerard Jones sent him forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Murphy, a former homeless shelter carer, of The Orchard, Greenwood, Ayrfield, Dublin, is charged with endangerment of life and two counts of criminal damage in an incident at North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.

A state solicitor told Judge Jones the book of evidence was ready and the DPP was consenting to the accused being returned for trial to the next sittings of the circuit court.

The judge gave Mr Murphy the formal warning that he had 14 days to provide any alibi details to the prosecution. He also ordered the prosecution to furnish the defence with Mr Murphy’s garda interview video.

A defence solicitor asked for a relaxation in the accused’s requirement to sign on daily at a garda station as part of his bail conditions.

The state solicitor told the judge it was alleged there were two gardaí in the car at the time it was rammed.

They were taken to hospital and underwent e-rays and scans and given pain relief before being discharged.

Judge Jones said the allegation was “most serious” but the accused was presumed innocent. He reduced the signing on condition to three times per week and also granted free legal aid.

The accused is due to appear in the circuit court on a date in June.

During a bail hearing last year, Garda Sergeant Nigel Petrie said Gardaí Philip Carroll and Shane Barrett were in a patrol car that was stationary at traffic lights when the accused allegedly approached.

Mr Murphy allegedly made an “unwanted approach” and interaction with the driver, Gda Barrett. The court heard he told the accused to speak to his sergeant.

Mr Murphy allegedly said “wait and see what happens” and the garda car moved on after the lights turned green.

It was alleged a black 2020 reg Renault Cleo intentionally rammed the garda car from the rear, pursued it, and rammed it again on the driver’s side.

The court had heard it caused “significant damage”, and the two officers got treatment for neck and back

Garda Carroll said he got out, enquired about what happened, and the accused allegedly “pointed at my colleague and said “ask him’”.

A defence lawyer told the bail hearing the case was “a matter that will be contested”.