LAST UPDATE | 16 Dec 2023

A HOMELESS shelter carer, who allegedly pursued and twice rammed a garda car in Dublin city resulting in two officers being hospitalised, has been granted bail with a range of strict conditions.

The gardaí were taken to the Mater University Hospital after the incident on Friday just after midday and were discharged that night.

Investigating gardaí arrested Declan Murphy (48), of The Orchard, Greenwood, Ayrfield, Dublin, and he was detained at Mountjoy Garda Station where he was charged with two counts of criminal damage and for dangerous driving at North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.

The accused was then held and brought before Judge Brendan Toale at Dublin District Court today.

Garda Sergeant Nigel Petrie told Judge Toale that Murphy replied “no comment” when each charge was put to him.

He objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and possible witness interference.

‘Unwanted approach’

Garda Sergeant Petrie alleged that about 12.20pm yesterday the accused approached a patrol car carrying Garda Philip Carroll and Garda Shane Barrett, who was driving.

The patrol car had been stopped at traffic lights when the accused attempted an “unwanted approach” and interaction with Garda Barrett, who knew him and declined. The court heard he told him to speak to his sergeant.

It was alleged the accused said “wait and see what happens so” and the garda car moved on when the lights turned green.

The contested bail hearing was told, the driver of a black 2020-reg Renault Clio intentionally rammed the garda car from the rear before, pursued it and rammed it a second time on the driver’s side.

The court heard it caused significant damage and the two officers were taken to hospital for treatment for neck and back pain.

The sergeant said the collisions pushed the garda car onto the path and Sergeant Petrie feared for the safety of gardaí and members of the public.

Ongoing issue

Garda Carroll told the bail hearing he heard loud revving and there was collision from the rear which “flung” him forward before a second ramming.

Carroll described it as “an attempt to stop us and get us off the road”. He claimed the two cars became interlocked.

He said he got out, enquired about what happened, and alleged that the accused “pointed at my colleague and said, ‘Ask him’.”

Both officers told the bail hearing that they were in a lot of pain afterwards and prescribed medication, and Garda Carroll also said he had whiplash.

Garda Barrett told Judge Toale that 15 to 20 seconds after he drove on, he heard revving behind and saw the Renault Clio “ramming us from the rear”.

The court heard the accused waited at the scene and gave gardai his licence.

The judge also heard there was an ongoing issue between the accused and Garda Barrett and it was feared he could approach him again. The accused could face additional charges.

Murphy did not address the court but his solicitor, Sean McCormack, said his client who works part-time would abide by any conditions.

He also told the court: “My instructions are it will be a matter that will be contested”.

Judge Toale granted bail in his bond of €100 and ordered him to provide his phone number to gardaí, sign on daily at Raheny Garda station, stay out of parts of north Dublin except for work or visits to his parents, and have no contact with Garda Barrett, directly or indirectly.

He ordered him to appear again on 4 January pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.