An Garda Siochana has confirmed that a man in his 60s was arrested in Rathmore, Co. Kerry at approximately 4:00pm yesteday (Sunday, September 3).

The man was arrested for Endangerment, Dangerous Driving and Criminal Damage, according to Gardai, as further details emerge following yesterday’s incident.

Contrary to earlier reports, it was announced that two Garda members received minor injuries during the incident but did not require hospital treatment.

The man, driving a Ford tractor, failed to stop for a Garda car on the road, leading to further Gardai being called.

The tractor then crashed into a Garda squad car before reversing out and attempting to leave the scene.

The man received medical attention and was then taken to Mallow Garda Station, Co. Cork for questioning.

Video source: Ciaran Paterson


Man fined for crop damage

Meanwhile, in news of other rural disruption, across the water a man in the UK has been fined and has had his vehicle confiscated by the police for damaging farmland, according to police in North Yorkshire.

The man, named Mark James Hughes, has been ordered to pay £1,000 (€1,091) in compensation after he caused substantial damage to crops near Thirsk, police added.

Hughes – who is 33-years-old – from Eden Street, Horden in Durham, was found guilty of criminal damage at Northallerton Magistrates Court on Friday, August 25.

The conviction relates to an incident which occurred on November 12, 2016, when a Land Rover Discovery was driven onto a field at Topcliffe.

After the vehicle got stuck – when it was buried up to its axles in mud – Hughes was reportedly seen nearby; he was subsequently interviewed by officers.

The field was due to be replanted in the near future. Because the vehicle had driven over it, the field could no longer be planted – due to the risk of contaminants, the police explained.

During his appearance in court, the defendant was disqualified from driving for six months. This punishment was in addition to having his Land Rover Discovery confiscated, as well as being ordered to pay £1,000 (€1,091) in compensation.