Joshua Allen, 26, appeared at Midleton District Court on Thursday facing nine criminal charges related to an incident on October 27, 2025, in the Shanagarry area of east Cork. The charges include allegedly driving a van at a garda, assaulting two officers, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possessing a knife and ketamine. The case was adjourned until September 17 due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors.
Charges filed against Joshua Allen
According to court records, Mr. Allen faces multiple counts stemming from events in east Cork. He is charged with failing to stop a red Ford Transit van at a garda checkpoint and driving it “at speed” toward Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy, an act alleged to have created a “substantial risk of death or serious harm.” This charge is contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
Additional charges include dangerous driving at both Monagurra and Shanagarry North, and driving while intoxicated after allegedly testing positive for cocaine and cannabis. At an address in Shanagarry South, Mr. Allen is accused of assaulting Garda Patrick Costello and Garda Ciaran Cummins McCarthy, as well as resisting the latter officer. He also faces charges for the possession of ketamine and a sharply pointed knife.
Did You Know? The incident occurred near the Ballymaloe House and Cookery School, an estate founded by Myrtle Allen and currently operated by members of her family, including Darina Allen and Rachel Allen.
Impact of industrial action on court proceedings
The case, which was expected to progress toward a plea or a request for a book of evidence, stalled due to industrial action taken by solicitors. During the hearing, Judge Colm Roberts addressed Mr. Allen directly because the defendant’s solicitor, Don Ryan, was unable to represent him in the usual capacity due to the labor dispute.
Judge Roberts emphasized that while he understood the difficulties faced by solicitors, his priority remains the rights of the accused and the community. “This can only go so far,” the judge stated, warning that Mr. Allen will eventually be required to indicate how he intends to plead, regardless of the status of the industrial action.
What happens next in the legal process?
The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17. At that time, it is expected that Mr. Allen will need to either enter a signed guilty plea or formally request a book of evidence to contest the charges. The trajectory of the case remains contingent on the resolution of the solicitors’ industrial action, which currently limits the standard communication between defendants and their legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary charges against Joshua Allen?
Mr. Allen faces nine charges, including dangerous driving, assaulting two gardaí, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, and possession of a knife and ketamine.
Why was the court case adjourned?
The case was adjourned until September 17 because of ongoing industrial action by solicitors, which prevented Mr. Allen’s legal representative from acting on his behalf during the hearing.
What did the judge say regarding the delay?
Judge Colm Roberts warned that while he granted the adjournment, the situation “can only go so far” and that Mr. Allen will eventually have to state his plea, regardless of the ongoing labor dispute.
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