A court has heard details of a dangerous incident involving Aiden Hulme, a former member of the Real IRA, who faced charges stemming from a high-speed pursuit and aggressive driving that endangered Gardaí in Dundalk, Co Louth. The events took place on 8 October 2017, two years after Hulme's release from prison.
Hulme, 47, of Point Road in Bellurgan, was previously convicted in 2003 at the Old Bailey in London. He was sentenced to 20 years for conspiring to cause explosions likely to endanger life and for possessing explosives; however, he was released early in 2015 due to an error in remission dates. During that trial, he was one of six men implicated in a series of bombings, including an attack outside the BBC television centre in London in March 2001.
In Dundalk Circuit Court, Detective Garda Keith Hargadon described the events of that night when Gardaí Diarmuid Coakley and Joseph Gibney were conducting a mandatory checkpoint with their blue lights activated. As Hulme approached in a black Hyundai coupe, Garda Coakley attempted to signal him to stop, only for the driver to accelerate, forcing both Gardaí to leap out of the vehicle’s path. Garda Gibney even managed to strike the car’s back window with his torch as it sped by.
The Gardaí pursued Hulme, who engaged in a "high speed, dangerous pursuit," reportedly driving recklessly, veering onto the wrong side of the road, and turning off his headlights in a bid to escape. Det Gda Hargadon stated that Hulme lost control of the vehicle, which eventually ended up in a ditch, overturned and wedged between a tree and the ditch in nearby Newry. The officers assisted in extricating Hulme from his car through the sunroof before calling for additional support, alerting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
During the trial, it was revealed that Hulme had a record of ten previous convictions, including his initial offences linked to the violent campaigns in London. His defence counsel noted that prior to his imprisonment, Hulme had been involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of part of his leg.
The defence further argued that his sudden release from prison left him unprepared, leading to excessive drinking and erratic behaviour, a phase during which he found a stabilising partner. Judge Dara Hayes remarked on the gravity of Hulme’s actions, stating that he posed a serious risk to the Gardaí who were serving to protect the public.
The court adjourned sentencing, allowing Hulme until 10 July to arrange for his family's welfare and to address health matters before a final decision is made.
Source: Noah Wire Services