AN ice cream van rammed another up to six times on a Co Donegal beach in a row over the best pitch, a court has heard.
Tom Ward (65), of Drumnakilly Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone, appeared before Ballyshannon District Court yesterday accused of a string of crimes linked to the row.
He was charged with stealing keys from the other ice cream van driver, using threatening and abusive behaviour, careless driving, having no insurance and failing to produce insurance at Rossnowlagh Beach on July 18 last year.
The court heard Mr Ward was pleading guilty to stealing the keys. He was not the owner of the van, the court was told. Mr Ward claimed he has since shown the insurance documents to gardaí.
A Garda sergeant told the court the driver of the other ice cream van called officers to complain Mr Ward had threatened to ram his van if he did not move it.
When the driver replied he could sell ice cream wherever he wanted, Mr Ward stole his keys and rammed his van on the busy beach.
Defence solicitor John Murray said there was an on-going battle for favourable pitches on the beach.
He claimed the other ice cream van driver said he was "jolted once" in a statement.
Judge Kevin Kilrane said he would adjourn the case to January 18.
