A 32-yr-old man has been denied bail after a Garda officer was injured in a collision with a “high-powered” scrambler on a footpath in Mulhuddart, Dublin, reports RTE.
Michael Jones appeared at Dublin District Court on Thursday, 26 February, in relation to the incident.
Mr. Jones, from Whitestown Drive, Mulhuddart, faces a charge of endangerment by intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another at Blakestown Way, reports RTE.
He was remanded in custody by Judge Conor Fottrell and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday.
The defendant denies the charge, which falls under section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison, reports RTE.
Opposing bail, Garda Liam Bowes highlighted the seriousness of the case and expressed concerns that the accused might fail to appear in court.
Garda Bowes said Mr. Jones “made no reply” when charged at Blanchardstown station. He described observing a person wearing a black balaclava riding a motorcycle around 8.25pm, reports RTE.
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The bail hearing was informed that the motorcycle was being driven “in a dangerous manner” on a green area, putting members of the public at risk.
Garda Bowes stayed in the patrol car, observing the suspect, who allegedly continued driving recklessly, reports RTE.
He provided evidence that his colleague exited the vehicle and attempted to approach the motorcyclist in order to seize the bike and prevent further danger to the public.
The court was told that the person on the scrambler was on a footpath, accelerating at high speed, reaching approximately 40 km/h, reports RTE.
Judge Fottrell was informed that the motorcycle collided with the officer, knocking both the officer and the rider to the ground.
The garda, in his 20s, sustained injuries to his legs, arms, and head, consistent with a collision involving a powerful motorcycle, the court heard, reports RTE.
He was treated by a Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance crew and did not attend the hearing as he was on bed rest.
Garda Bowes confirmed he identified the accused at the scene. Defence solicitor John Quinn stated that the allegations would be “fully contested” and argued there were no grounds to deny bail, reports RTE.
The court was told Mr. Jones had experienced some mental health issues in 2025 and was unemployed.
Mr. Jones, dressed in a blue T-shirt, grey tracksuit pants, and black runners, did not give evidence. Judge Fottrell reminded the court that the accused still enjoys the presumption of innocence, reports RTE.
However, he ruled that, given the seriousness of the case and supporting evidence, there was a strong likelihood the accused would attempt to evade justice.
Legal aid was granted, along with an order for Mr. Jones to receive medical and psychiatric treatment while in custody, reports RTE.
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