Man Remanded in Custody After PSNI Vehicle Rammed Near Strabane
A 26-year-old man, identified as Ben Kearns-Flynn from Monaghan, has been remanded in custody following an incident near Strabane, County Tyrone, where a PSNI vehicle was deliberately rammed. Two police officers sustained injuries and required hospital treatment.
Incident Details and Charges
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 20th, when police were initially called to a four-vehicle collision in the Newbuildings area of Derry. Witnesses reported that a blue Transit van, allegedly driven by Kearns-Flynn, had collided with another vehicle before fleeing the scene. It's alleged that a bottle of vodka fell from the van as he exited the vehicle at the initial collision.
Later, in Ballymagorry, police attempted to stop the same van. The van then accelerated and rammed the police vehicle head-on. Kearns-Flynn is then alleged to have exited his vehicle and assaulted the officers before being restrained with the assistance of members of the public.
Kearns-Flynn faces a total of 16 charges, including: grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to resist apprehension, dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, assaulting and resisting police. A breath test taken four hours after the incident allegedly showed a reading of 110mgs of alcohol per 100ml of breath, more than three times the legal limit.
Court Proceedings and Bail Refusal
Kearns-Flynn appeared at Derry Magistrate’s Court on Monday. A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. The prosecution argued that he posed a flight risk due to residing outside the jurisdiction and was a danger to the public. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley acknowledged the seriousness of the case and the defendant's struggle with alcohol.
District Judge Conor Heaney refused bail, citing the "very concerning" facts of the case and the potential for a "worse outcome". Kearns-Flynn has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 16th.
Community Response and Police Statement
Chief Inspector Michael Gahan of the PSNI condemned the assault on the officers, highlighting the dangers they face while serving the community. He also commended the members of the public who assisted the officers at the scene, praising their "brave and admirable" actions and "true community spirit." The PSNI has appealed for anyone with information or dash-cam footage to contact them, quoting reference number 684 for September 20th.