The Director of Public Prosecutions has asked for information on the element of danger which was involved in the ramming of Garda patrol cars in west Clare this week, a special sitting of Ennis District Court heard yesterday. Mr Patrick Payne (42), of no fixed abode, appeared before the court charged with nine additional offences, including the theft of two cars and a tractor and causing damage to a car in Cork city and county in December 1996. He was also charged with the unlawful use of a vehicle and ramming a Garda patrol car at Glanmire in Cork on August 8th and driving without insurance.
Sgt Fergus Kelly, of Glanmore station, gave evidence before Judge Joseph Mangan, of charging Mr Payne at Ennis courthouse yesterday.
The defendant had already been before the court last Wednesday on 11 charges which included dangerous driving, failing to stop for gardai, no insurance, handling two stolen registration plates, driving without holding a driver's licence and three charges of damaging Garda patrol cars on August 26th, in Kilkee, Miltownmalbay and Inagh.
It was also alleged that the defendant took possession of a vehicle on August 6th at Clonbullogue, Tullamore, Co Offaly, without the consent of the owner.
Supt Sylvie Dwyer, Ennis Station asked for a remand and Mr Payne was remanded in custody until September 12th.