Alleged hit and run at Parteen

An alleged hit and run incident outside a pitch and putt course in Parteen was recalled when a 26-year-old man appeared before Limerick District Court on Tuesday charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm to two pensioners, one of whom lost his leg.

Michael Sheehan of of Cliona Park, Moyross, Limerick appeared beforethe court on 11 new charges arising out of the alleged incident in Parteen village on September 25, 2014.

The defendant was previously charged with two counts of burglary at Aherina, Kilmore, and Doonas, County Clare, on the same date.

Limerick District Court heard how the Sheen replied, “I’m sorry, that was an accident” when he was formally charged with dangerous driving causing seriously bodily harm to Eric Ryan (79) and Liam Barry (77) at Parteen village on September 25, 2014.

Detective Garda Ronan O’Reilly said Sheehan made no reply to the other 10 charges which include, six counts of dangerous driving at locations between Clonlara and Parteen village on the same date.

Sheehan is also charged with failing to give appropriate information, failing to remain at the scene, and failing to report an accident at Parteen village. He is further charged with failing to provide a blood or urine sample to gardaí at Mayorstone Garda Station, all on the same date.

His solicitor, John Devane told the court his client was “extremely frustrated at the slow pace of the case”, as he has been in custody for more than three and a half months.

He said his client is anxious to get the Book of Evidence quickly as all of the new charges arise out of the same alleged series of events.

Mr Devane said having looked at the new charges and the garda objections to bail it was pointless to seek bail at this point in time.

Judge Marian O’Leary granted the defendant additional free legal aid on the indictable matters.

The defendant was remanded in custody for a week when he will appear before the same court again via video link.

By Kathryn Hayes