Former Clare TD Michael McNamara has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving and obstructing a Garda during the course of his duties.
The former Labour TD is pleading his innocence to the charges, which arise out of an alleged incident near his home last December.
Clare Fm’s Derrick Lynch reports:
43 year old Michael McNamara of Ballyglass, Scarriff is charged with dangerous driving contrary to the Road Traffic Act at Tobernagath, Scarriff on December 10th, 2016.
He is also charged with resisting and obstructing Garda Darren McLaughlin during the course of his duties under Section 19 of the Public Order Act on the same date and at the same location.
If found guilty of either charge at the District Court, he could face a potential six month jail term, or be fined.
He will fully contest the prosecution at a hearing later this year.
At a brief hearing of Killaloe District Court, sitting at O’Donovan’s pub in Ballina, Judge Brian O’Shea ordered all that State documents be disclosed to the defence.
Mr. McNamara’s legal team is led by road traffic law expert and barrister, Martin Dully.
The case has been adjourned for mention at Ennis District Court on October 25th, and two hours of evidence are expected to be heard when it is next before Killaloe District Court on December 5th.
