A 33-year-old man has appeared before a special sitting of Bandon District Court in connection with a hit and run incident in Innishannon on Thursday.
The incident near Dunkereen Cross left a 65-year-old man, who is well known in Cork sporting and broadcasting circles, in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital.
The crash between two vehicles happened at 9:50 in the morning of the 29th of December.
Bohdan Bezverkhyi of Rigsdale House, in Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, was brought before Bandon District Court and charged in relation to a hit and run incident at Dunkereen Cross, near Innishannon two days ago.
The court heard that Bezverkhyi was charged with four offences:
- failing to offer assistance at the scene of a crash to the injured party,
- failing to report the occurrence,
- failing to keep his vehicle at the place of the occurrence for a reasonable period,
- and failing to stop his vehicle.
Judge James McNulty heard that, when charged, the Ukrainian national expressed remorse for what had happened.
Det Garda Manus O'Donnell told the court that Bezverkhyi made "various admissions" at Bandon Garda Station, saying to the first charge "I am guilty I want to apologise. ... I am sorry, very sorry for what happened. I have no excuse. I am very sorry for my actions."
Bezverkhyi required the assistance of a translator.
Defence solicitor Myra Dineen said that she will make an application for bail when her client is next before the court.
Gardaí say they will oppose this.
The injured man, the well-known sports broadcaster, Paudie Palmer, was driving through the crossroads, when his car was hit from the side by another car - and pushed on to an embankment, before turning on its side.
He remains in Cork University Hospital, where his condition is described as being "critical but stable."
Judge McNulty remanded Bezverkhyi in custody until his next court appearance before Bandon District Court next Thursday, the 5th of January.
