Man appears in court accused of hit and run and dangerous driving on M7 Motorway in Laois

A man appeared in court accused of dangerous driving, criminal damage and hit and run on the M7 Motorway in Laois on Wednesday evening. 

Peter Brazil(45) of 7 Rosse Court Grove, Lucan, Dublin is accused of nine counts of dangerous driving on the M7 at Togher, Meelick, Rathleague, Ballymacken, Rathbrennan, Great Heath, Morette, Ballydavis and one other location on the M7 in Portlaoise on July 17, 2024. 

He is further accused of having no driving licence or insurance on the M7 at Togher and causing criminal damage to a Laois County Council road sign at Cappakeel and hit and run at Cappakeel as well as failing to remain at the scene and failing to report an accident on the same date.  

Detective Garda Paul Kelly gave evidence of arrest and caution He arrested the man at Cappakeel, Portlaoise on Wednesday night at 11.55pm.  Det Kelly said the defendant made no reply when charged with the 15 offences. 

“There is an objection to bail,” Det Kelly told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Counsel Brian Mallon BL said his client was consenting to a remand in custody. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked how long the prosecution would require to prepare their case. 

Det Kelly said there was a large volume of evidence to be compiled including statements from garda witnesses, members of the public and dashcam footage. 

Judge Cody granted legal aid and remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on July 25 by video link.