A FATHER OF two accused of injuring a garda by knocking him down with a “high-powered” motorcycle in Dublin has been denied bail.

Christopher Reynolds, 24, of Heatly Place, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, was arrested after the officer suffered a leg injury in Finglas at around 5.45pm yesterday.

Reynolds appeared at Blanchardstown District Court today charged with assault causing harm, using a stolen vehicle, cocaine possession and having a screwdriver for use in a theft.

Garda Declan Meehan told Judge Aine Clancy the accused made “no reply” when charged.

Objecting to bail, Garda Meehan told the court the accused was “caught red-handed”.

He said he and colleagues from the Finglas drugs unit were on patrol at the North Road, Dublin 11.

They observed two motorbikes entering the forecourt of the Circle K service station.

The contested bail hearing was told that gardai believed the motorbikes had been stolen.

As they approached the two motorbikes on foot, the two male drivers saw them and tried to drive out.

Both motorbikes drove dangerously at Garda members in a bid to evade apprehension. One of the motorbikes with two suspects on board made good his escape.

A lone male driver on a high-power Husqvarna motorbike “drove directly” at a garda and collided with him on the forecourt, causing him to fall to the ground. He suffered a dislocated ankle, requiring medical treatment.

“Tthe driver absconded on foot to the North Road and ran against on-coming traffic on the wrong side of the dual carriageway,” Meehan said.

He said he pursued on foot, and the accused took off his helmet and threw it at him to avoid being caught.

Judge Clancy heard he was stopped and arrested at Lidl, St Margaret’s Road, Finglas. A screwdriver was used to start the motorbike allegedly stolen in Dublin earlier this year.

Garda Meehan said a further endangerment charge could be brought against Reynolds, who did not address the court.

His barrister, Mark McMahon, told the court that his client could wait for more than two years until his trial, likely in the Circuit Court.

He stressed his client enjoyed the presumption of innocence and would obey any bail conditions, including a ban on driving any motor vehicle.

Counsel said his client agreed not to associate with any criminals.

The court heard he was on social welfare and taking part in a CE scheme and had two young children.

Judge Clancy said the accused was charged with very serious offences.

She held that refusing bail was necessary to prevent the commission of further serious offences.

Reynolds was granted legal aid and remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on June 4.