Woman accused of dangerous driving while having a child in the vehicle appears in court

A woman who is accused of dangerous driving while having a child in the vehicle has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court. 

Elizabeth Crumlish (49) of Beechwood Crescent in Derry appeared charged with a total of eight offences that were said to have occurred on June 14.

She was charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, no insurance and other offences. 

The court heard that at 3.30pm on June 14 a vehicle was parked in Market Street and a vehicle driven by Crumlish reversed into it.

Initially Crumlish was said to have been 'quite polite' but this changed when she was asked for insurance details. 

She was said to have driven off at speed with a man and a child in her car. 

Police were alerted the vehicle was observed in the Limavady Road and signalled to stop.

The vehicle was said to have driven on at speed at one stage travelling at 85mph in a 50mph zone and was seen driving between lanes on numerous occasions. 

Eventually the vehicle became stuck between two other vehicles and when police approached the driver was said to have refused to alight leading police to use batons to smash the windscreen. 

When Crumlish was searched tablets were found on her and police believed she was under the influence of some substance despite her breath test being clear.

Crumlish was asked for a urine sample but refused.

At interview the defendant said she had driven away because the other driver had asked her for £1,000 and she believed he was on drugs.

She said her driving was due to her still being in fear and she claimed she did not see the police. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending as Crumlish has 190 previous convictions with 43 of them road traffic offences. 

A police officer said Crumlish presented 'a clear danger to other road users.'

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said her client did not accept the dangerous driving and rejected the allegation she had driven away from police.

She said there were 'triable issues' in the case but Crumlish could be managed with bail conditions. 

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said Crumlish had 'an extensive record' but released her on bail on condition she does not travel in the front seat of any vehicle and has no contact with the alleged injured party. 

She will appear again on July 9.