Derry man who was 'a danger to the public' due to his driving remanded

Derry Magistrate's Court was told today that a local man was 'a danger to the public' due to his driving.

Cathal O'Donnell (53) of Bard's Hill in Derry appeared charged with a series of driving offences including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and with excess alcohol on July 17.

He was also charged with two counts of dangerous driving and driving with no insurance on May 20.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that on May 20 a police patrol checked a vehicle and discovered that the registered driver was disqualified. 

An officer approached the driver's window and believed he recognised O'Donnell and signalled him to pull over. 

Instead the car sped off almost colliding with other vehicles and headed towards Craigavon Bridge.

The police eventually stopped the chase due to the speeds involved. 

The court then heard that at 5.40pm on July 17 police received a report of a suspected drink driver and made their way to the address of O'Donnell who was the registered owner.

As they approached the address they observed the vehicle in question in front them and signalled it to stop. 

The vehicle sped off narrowly missing the police vehicle which pursued it. 

In the course of the pursuit a bus had to take evasive action to avoid a collision and the speed at time was at 70mph.

The vehicle eventually hit a lamppost and the defendant had to be physically removed from it. 

An evidential breath test revealed a reading of 77mgs more than twice the legal limit. 

At interview he denied being the driver in the May incident and maintained he was not speeding. 

He did say to police as regards his vehicle that he 'would buy a quicker one.'

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending as the defendant has 29 previous convictions with 21 of those for traffic offences. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client was aware of the 'difficulties' of the bail application.

He said that due to the circumstances O'Donnell did not have a vehicle and said the case could take some time to cone to court and asked the court to take a chance. 

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop said he was not prepared to take a chance nor to give O'Donnell a chance.

He remanded the defendant in custody to appear again on August 15.