Courts / Dublin / Report
Garda narrowly escaped "serious injury" after speeding van drove at him
Summary
In a 2014 incident at Balbriggan Garda Station, Cornelius Price, a 35‑year‑old van driver, was found guilty of endangering a Garda. On the night of 22 January, two vehicles – a Hyundai and a Ford van – were driving at high speed in the station's car park. Garda Gary Dillane, in full uniform, stopped the van and shouted "stop," but Price continued to drive straight at him. Dillane jumped out of the van's path, injuring his leg; he later said he could have been seriously injured or killed. Price was pursued by Dillane and Garda Sean Caffrey but escaped. The van driver was arrested, and Price denied seeing the Garda. He had previously spent 11½ months in custody on a separate charge, which was later acquitted. The case was set for sentencing on 24 February, with the court hearing a victim impact statement from Dillane, who described the event as terrifying and considered resigning from the force. Cornelius Price pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda narrowly escaped "serious injury" after speeding van drove at him. Charges or matters: recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to Garda Gary Dillane. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- January 22, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday, February 23 Adjournment
- Friday, February 24 Adjournment
- 2017-02-20 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to Garda Gary Dillane (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; At Price's sentence hearing today, Sergeant Mark Buckley told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that Garda Gary Dillane and Garda Sean Caffrey were in the car park of Balbriggan Garda Station around 9.30pm on the night in question when they saw two vehicles driving at high speed. Price will be sentenced on Friday, February 24.; Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the matter for mention this Thursday, February 23, to allow the prosecution to get advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions on this.
Places mentioned
- Rockleigh House
- garda at Balbriggan garda station
- Balbriggan
- car park of Balbriggan Garda Station
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request