James ‘Jimmy’ Moorehouse (20), with an address at Deerpark, Boghall Road, Bray, appeared before the court charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
The prosecution alleged that gardaí were on patrol near Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow, on Sunday, January 25, when they observed a Hyundai i30 hatchback go off the road.
Sergeant Mick Canavan told the court that the car had been reported stolen.
It is alleged that Moorehouse fled to the other side of the road in an attempt to evade gardaí but was apprehended at the scene, where gardaí carried out a roadside drug test. Moorehouse tested positive for benzodiazepines, cannabis, opiates and cocaine.
Further charges are expected pending results from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.
Gardaí raised no objections to bail on condition that the defendant sign on three days a week and abide by his current bail conditions for unrelated matters.
Solicitor for Moorehouse, Brendan Maloney, told the court that his client is concerned about entering custody due to an ongoing feud relating to the death of Wicklow father-of-seven William Moorehouse, who was found dead in a playground in Bray in January last year.
Judge David Kennedy placed a note on Moorehouse’s file requesting that he be housed in a protected unit, with Sgt Canavan informing Prison Service staff who were present in court.
Judge Kennedy directed that Moorehouse provide an independent surety before being granted bail due to his previous bench warrant history.
Mr Maloney contacted the accused’s mother to see if she was available to act as surety.
Moorehouse was remanded in custody awaiting a surety.
Mr Moorehouse appeared again via video link on Tuesday, January 27, with the court hearing that his mother remains unavailable.
The defendant is due before Bray District Court for mention in early February.
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