Man accused of driving wrong way down motorway annoyed in Portlaoise court
The man is facing 16 charges, which include a hit and run and nine counts of dangerous driving on the M7 motorway near Portlaoise
A MAN who allegedly drove the wrong way down a motorway near Portlaoise has accused the prosecution of “acting the bol**x” due to repeated delays in the case.
The 45-year-old made the remark at Portlaoise District Court last Thursday when he appeared by video link from prison, where he has been in custody on remand since he was arrested last July.
Peter Brazil of 7 Rosse Court Grove, Lucan, Dublin is facing 16 charges, which include nine counts of dangerous driving on the M7 motorway. He is also charged with a hit and run at Cappakeel, causing criminal damage to a road sign at Cappakeel and driving without insurance, as well as endangerment by driving against the flow of traffic on the M7 at Togher when he allegedly travelled westbound in an eastbound lane.
Mr Brazil was arrested in Cappakeel at 11.55pm and was subsequently remanded in custody at Portlaoise District Court, after gardaí objected to bail. He made no reply when charged with the series of offences.
Detective Garda Paul Kelly told the July hearing that a large volume of evidence would have to be compiled for a book of evidence, including statements from garda witnesses, members of the public and dashcam footage.
Judge Andrew Cody granted legal aid and remanded Mr Brazil in custody until 25 July, when he appeared again by video link from Mountjoy Prison. The case was subsequently adjourned a number of times for preparation of a book of evidence for a circuit court trial.
The book was due to be served on the defendant at Portlaoise District Court last Thursday. However, Sgt JJ Kirby told Judge Cody that a further two-week adjournment was needed to complete the substantial book of evidence.
Mr Brazil told the judge: “They are acting the bol**x now. I’m nearly five months in custody at this rate.” Allowing a final adjournment until 5 December, Judge Cody told the defendant that he would mark the case as peremptory against the State, meaning that a book of evidence would have to be produced on that date.
“Thank you, your honour,” Mr Brazil replied.
