A man accused of stealing a tractor after an early morning burglary was pursued by the alleged victims before crashing into a ditch, a bail hearing has been told.
The incident and a physical altercation which followed was witnessed by gardaí who waited for armed back-up before approaching, it will be alleged.
Before Dundalk Court was Stefan Sharkey (38), Thomas Street, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh, who is charged with burglary, unauthorised taking of a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possession of a knife at Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, on August 1 last, as well as dangerous driving and driving with neither licence nor insurance at the L3104 Carrickedmond on the same date.
He is further accused of five counts of dangerous driving through townlands along the N53 in North Louth on June 18 last when it will be alleged that he drove a Volkswagen Passat at more than 200kmh before crossing the border into Northern Ireland.
He has been in custody on these matters since August 2.
Gda Michael McKenna objected to his bail application.
He said it will be alleged that at 3.40am on August 1 a woman reported seeing a male in the hallway of her house before he stole a tractor from outside. The keys were in the ignition.
The officer continued he identified Mr Sharkey as the driver of a tractor travelling at excessive speed for a vehicle of its size in the middle of a narrow country road. It was being followed by a jeep from the house.
Gda McKenna said it will be alleged that the tractor driver lost control and crashed into a ditch. He got out of the cab and had a physical altercation with the occupants of the jeep before heading in the direction of the border.
Gardaí were present some distance back awaiting the arrival of the Armed Support Unit (ASU).
The court heard it will be alleged that later the same morning at 5.30am Stefan Sharkey was in another house having sought help for his injuries which he claimed he got in a road crash.
A man agreed to give him a lift to get him away from his home.
It will be alleged that the accused was seen by ASU members throwing a flick knife into a ditch.
Gda McKenna said it will be alleged that on June 18 at 9.20pm an ASU patrol came upon a Volkswagen Passat in Barronstown, Hackballscross, and identified the driver.
On sight of the ASU Mr Sharkey accelerated. He failed to stop at a “Stop” sign and for the garda vehicle which had activated the blue lights and siren.
It will be alleged that he travelled through several townlands at speeds in excess of 100kmh and 150kmh before doing more than 200kmh in advance of crossing the border.
Gda McKenna alleged that Stefan Sharkey, who he was aware had recently become a father, was a “major threat to public safety” and told barrister Eoghan Fagan that no bail conditions would alleviate his concerns.
Judge Nicola Andrews remanded the defendant in custody with consent to bail in his own bond of €500, with €500 cash lodged and an independent surety of €10,000, €5,000 cash lodged.
He must reside at an approved address, surrender his passport and undertake not to leave the jurisdiction, be of good behaviour, not communicate with witnesses, remain drug-free and sober, sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the nearest 24-hour garda station to an approved address and observe a 10pm to 7am curfew.
The case was adjourned to September 9 via video link for DPP directions.
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