Chinese national will now face deportation proceedings appears in court on driving offences

A Chinese national who will now face deportation proceedings has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court on driving offences.

Kok Hie Chan (35) of Ivy Mead in Derry appeared charged with taking a vehicle without permission, driving without insurance or a licence on July 26.

The court heard that police were operating a checkpoint on Church Brae and stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant. 

Checks showed he had no licence or insurance and he told police the car belonged to his sister and he did not have permission to drive it. 

He said he had a licence in his own country but not one for here. 

As regards insurance he said he didn't realise it was an offence not to have any. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client was now going g to subject to deportation proceedings. 

He said he wanted these matters dealt with so the 'inevitable process' could take place.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said he would deal with the case the way he would if there were no immigration difficulties. 

He imposed a conditional discharge for a period of 18 months, fined Chan £300 and disqualified him for three months.