PSNI officer struck by stolen police car in Downpatrick — man remanded

Kieran Turley (27) appeared in Downpatrick magistrates' court charged with dangerous driving after a PSNI officer was hit by a stolen police car on Sunday.

Man remanded after PSNI officer hit by stolen patrol car in Downpatrick

A 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody following a series of driving incidents in Downpatrick that left a Police Service of Northern Ireland officer with serious injuries, the Irish Times reports.

Kieran Turley, of Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, appeared before the town's magistrates' court on Monday charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle without insurance. District judge Peter Magill refused his bail application and remanded him in custody until June 25th.

The incidents unfolded in the early hours of Sunday when a blue Volkswagen Jetta failed to stop for officers on several occasions in the town. The car was later located in the Ballymote Walk area, and officers on foot pursued a man seen leaving the vehicle in the direction of Colmcille Road.

As those officers returned to their PSNI vehicle, they found someone already in the driver's seat. That individual then drove erratically and directly at one of the officers. The officer discharged one round from his firearm before the stolen police car struck him. The vehicle was abandoned shortly afterwards and the suspect fled the scene.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "horrific" and said his thoughts were with the injured officer.

Monday's court hearing centred on offences linked to the driving of the Jetta rather than the incident in which the officer was struck. Turley spoke briefly at the opening of the hearing to confirm he understood the charges he faced.

Prior to the court appearance, police had bailed Turley on two further alleged offences — driving while unfit and aggravated vehicle-taking causing injury — to allow additional time for investigation. While in custody he was also questioned about the attempted murder of the officer and several other driving offences, but was released unconditionally in relation to those specific matters.

Police subsequently arrested a second man, aged 36, on suspicion of the attempted murder of the officer. He remained in police custody on Monday being questioned in connection with attempted murder and aggravated vehicle-taking causing injury.

A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Source: Irish Times