Love/Hate Star Denies Hit-And-Run Charges

Peter Coonan, also known as ‘Fran’ in RTE’s gangland drama Love/Hate, has denied the hit-and-run charges he is currently facing.

The Irish Independent reports that Mr Coonan allegedly banged into a motorbike rider fro behind, pushing him forward and causing him to completely lose control of the bike.

According to eye witnesses, Coonan was “slow, sluggish and lethargic” and also “detatched and unresponsive” when he got out of his car following the accident, which happened on the N11 in Foxrock.

Coonan is being charged with dangerous driving as well as three hit-and run offences, including failing to keep a vehicle at the scene of an accident, failing to report an injury to another man and failing to provide information to gardai.

He has denied all the charges against him.

Judge Bridget Reilly, who has been presiding over the case, adjourned it to a date in May for legal submissions.

Actor Peter Coonan plays "Fran" in the gangland drama Love/Hate

Mr Trevor McNaughton, the alleged victim, maintains that he was on his motorbike heading towards Dublin city when he noticed a navy blue Sabb “zig zagging” along the road. He said he overtook the car, but was jolted from behind and lost control.

Mr McNaughton said he managed to regain control of the bike and he stopped and got off it. He identified the driver of the car as being Mr Coonan and said he was “very surprised looking.” Mr McNaughton then rang the gardai.

He alleged that Mr Coonan then said that he had to go and visit his son and would be back soon. Mr McNaughton got back on his bike and followed him to a house in Rockwood where he rang the gardai again.

Garda Paul Maher told the court that he spoke to Mr Coonan by phone and that he admitted he was driving the vehicle. However, Mr Coonan has denied all the charges against him.