DPP facing time pressure in Longford car ramming case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is facing time pressure to finalise its directions in a case taken against a man charged in connection to an alleged car ramming incident in a Longford housing estate, which left another man in hospital.

Tommy McGinley (41) of 10 Palace Drive, Ardnacassa, Co Longford appeared before the recent sitting of Longford District Court where he was charged with dangerous driving at Legion Terrace, Longford on September 16 last year.

Following the incident, a man in his 20s was taken to Tullamore's Midland Regional Hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

Mr McGinley initially appeared in court last October and was remanded on bail, subject to strict conditions.

When the case came before Judge Bernadette Owens last week, Sgt Enda Daly said a file relating to the matter had been sent to the DPP before Christmas, adding he remained “hopeful” directions would be returned by the end of January.

Defence solicitor Fiona Baxter said conditions linked to her client’s bail terms which required him to reside in Co Tipperary was putting “considerable strain” on Mr McGinley’s relationship with his wife and who was at home taking care of their young family. The situation is "causing her hardship" as she also looks after her elderly mother.

In light of those difficulties, Ms Baxter applied for the case to be marked peremptory against the State, meaning that the case was likely to be struck out unless progress was made the next time the case comes before the court.

Sgt Daly, in response, said he “couldn’t oppose” the case being marked peremptory.

Mr McGinley was remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on February 6.