'Train from Dundalk' claim ends in arrest
A man's claim that he travelled by train from Dundalk prompted police checks that led to another arrest
A man who claimed he travelled by train from Dundalk to collect his seized car in Cookstown ended up landing his brother in trouble too after PSNI officers quickly discovered his story didn't add up.
The PSNI said the driver had been arrested on Friday evening after neighbourhood officers spotted him driving through Church Street in Cookstown despite being disqualified from driving in the Republic of Ireland.
He was arrested, charged and brought before court on Saturday, where he was convicted, fined and handed a further driving disqualification. His car was also seized at the scene.
The PSNI have warned that driving disqualifications are recognised on both sides of the border.
The man's brother had been a passenger in the car at the time and was also disqualified from driving in the Republic.
However, the story did not end there.
When the original driver returned to Cookstown police station to arrange the collection of his seized vehicle, officers asked how he had travelled there. He replied that he had taken the train from Dundalk.
Officers were sceptical of the explanation, noting that the railway line to Cookstown closed in the 1960s.
After alerting colleagues on patrol, police watched as the man got into a car outside the station. Behind the wheel was his brother, who was still disqualified from driving.
He was subsequently arrested.
In a statement, the PSNI said: "If you come to collect a seized vehicle following disqualification, please make sure your driver is not disqualified too."