Jonathan Woodside of Kilally West, Kilworth, Co Cork appeared at a sitting of Mallow District Court today.
Woodside faced 12 charges in relation to the alleged incident in Fermoy on Saturday including taking his father’s car, property damage, injury to a named person and possession of a knife.
Detective Garda Dave O’Shea told the court that he arrested Woodside on the Dublin Road, Fermoy on Saturday the 24th of September at 3:55pm.
The court heard that the incident on McCurtain Street in the town unfolded after the 21 year old student took his father’s car and drove from Kilally in Kilworth to Fermoy.
Detective Garda O’Shea told the court that the accused narrowly avoided pedestrians and cars and went on what can only be described as a rampage, causing extensive damage to a horsebox and a car. He also said that Woodside collided with a car being driven by an 87 year old woman.
Detective O’Shea said he located the car on the Cork Rd driving back into the town and was forced to move into the hard shoulder to avoid colliding with the car the accused was driving.
The detective also said he had his blue lights and siren on when the accused reversed into his patrol car and damaged it.
He also said the accused was in possession of a flick knife when he was arrested.
Judge John Keane was told Woodside made a full admission when questioned and that there were eyewitnesses, video footage and dash cam footage from the car used in the incident.
The court heard that Woodside was fully co-operative with Gardaí and was remorseful for his actions and had expressed concern that people had been injured in the incident.
Gardaí objected to bail.
Inspector Tony O’Sullivan also told the court that he expected that other substantial charges would be filed.
Judge Keane said the court was not satisfied to grant bail in the absence of a psychiatrist’s evaluation of the accused and remanded him in custody to appear in court again in Mallow via video link next Monday.
