Gardai wanted rogue Tipperary driver banned from entering Kilkenny

By COLIN BARTLEY

A MAN who refused to stop at a Garda checkpoint in Kilkenny – which resulted in a high-speed pursuit across three counties – has been granted bail.

The arresting Garda had requested that the man be prevented from entering county Kilkenny, but this was turned down by the judge.

Kevin Keane of Ballybeg Caravans, Littleton, Co Tipperary, appeared before Cashel District Court on charges relating to a high-speed pursuit that started in Freshford and ended in Glengoole, Co Tipperary.

On Wednesday, May 22 Mr Keane was driving near Freshford when he came across a Garda checkpoint.

Gardaí saw the accused turning away from the checkpoint, driving erratically. The officers immediately went in pursuit of the suspect.

The chase brought them through three counties, from Kilkenny to Carlow before Mr Keane was finally stopped and arrested in county Tipperary.

He was taken to Thurles Garda station and detained. He was charged with numerous counts of dangerous and erratic driving on Thursday, May 23.

At his recent hearing in Cashel District Court gardai requested that as part of his bail conditions Mr Keane would have to stay out of counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

However, Judge Terence Finn rejected the request.

Gardai consented to Mr Keane’s bail being granted with conditions attached, including that he obey a curfew and sign into his local Garda station three times a week.

Mr Keane is due to reappear at Cashel District Court on July 25.