A detective in West Cork has spoken about a terrifying ordeal which left her hanging from a car door and being dragged 80 feet along the road - until the motorist pushed her to the ground.
Detective Garda Catherine McCarthy had gone to a car to intercept a drug deal - only for the driver to speed off.
Detective Garda Catherine McCarthy gave her victim impact statement at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today.
She was speaking at the sentencing hearing of 34-year-old Martin Keohane of Derrygareen, Skibbereen, who plead guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm on the 8th April 2021.
On the evening the offence happened, Gardaí saw what they suspected was a drug deal in a car, on a remote road in Creagh.
When she identified herself to Keohane, he sped off and she tried to take the keys out of the ignition.
She was caught, hanging from the driver's door, and dragged 80 feet along the road - until Keohane pushed her to the ground.
McCarthy said she feared she was going to be pulled underneath the car, because her legs were being dragged uncontrollably along the road - and the car continued to accelerate.
She was shouting and begging him to stop.
Addressing Judge Helen Boyle, McCarthy said she can remember the back wheel of the car driving over her ankle in vivid detail.
She said that the incident has had "broad ranging negative impacts" on her life, from constant pain stopping her from playing with her children for long periods of time, to PTSD and trouble sleeping.
Keohane apologised to Detective Garda McCarthy, and offered €2500 in compensation, which she declined.
Judge Boyle remanded Keohane in custody until his next court appearance on May 18th next.
