Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Police Officer
A 36-year-old man, Conor Carey from the Glassheena Road area of Downpatrick, appeared at Downpatrick Magistrate's Court charged with the attempted murder of a police officer.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Carey faces two counts of aggravated vehicle taking causing injury and driving without insurance.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective inspector confirmed to the court that he could connect Carey to the charges.
Details of the Incident
The charges relate to an incident in Downpatrick on Sunday, when a police officer was struck by a stolen police car. The officer, who discharged one round from his firearm during the event, sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Injuries and Court Proceedings
During the court hearing, a solicitor representing Carey questioned the detective inspector regarding the extent of the officer’s injuries.
He put it to the court that those injuries were not as "significant" as at first thought.
The court was informed that while the injuries are not life-threatening, they are serious and include a broken wrist, a crushing injury to the officer's leg, head injuries, as well as cuts and bruises. The officer remains hospitalized and continues to receive medical treatment.
A solicitor for the accused inquired whether another individual had been arrested for attempted murder in connection with this case prior to Carey’s arrest.
The detective said: "I don't believe he was arrested for attempted murder, no."
The solicitor also stated that Carey strenuously denies any involvement in the matter.
No bail application was made during the hearing, and Carey was remanded in custody with a scheduled return to court on 18 June.
Related Court Appearance
Separately, a man named Kieran Turley, 27, from Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday in relation to the same incident. Turley was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
