County Derry man charged with series of theft and driving offences remanded
Damien Gibbons (49) of Donald's Way in Limavady appeared charged with a series of theft and driving charges including dangerous driving
A man described as 'dangerous' by a judge has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court after the court heard how a driver allegedly forced a police car to crash.
Damien Gibbons (49) of Donald's Way in Limavady appeared charged with a series of theft and driving charges including dangerous driving that were said to have occurred on December 16.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
The court heard that a man was seen in a supermarket in the Waterside area lifting items and leaving without paying.
Gibbons was identified from CCTV and was seen leaving in a vehicle.
Sometime later that vehicle was observed by police who pursued it and the court heard at times speeds up to 90mph were recorded.
At one stage during the pursuit the vehicle tried to squeeze between two other vehicles forcing one of them off the road.
Then the court heard the driver, identified as Gibbons, opened his door and braked sharply causing the police car to collide.
The defendant made off and was later detained by police.
A number of items were found in the car that had been stolen from the supermarket as well as a quantity of drugs.
Gibbons declined to be interviewed by police.
Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending as Gibbons has 251 previous convictions and the officer said police had 'zero confidence' the accused would abide by conditions.
He also described the defendant as 'a clear danger to other road users.'
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client's record was 'formidable' but added that he didn't think he had been imprisoned for a number of years.
He said it could be months before any decision would be made in the case and asked for bail with suitable conditions.
District Judge Barney McElholm said a case like this should go to the Crown Court.
He said that there was a danger to other road users with this man on the road.
The judge said that in the last number of weeks a 'couple of dozen police officers had been injured in the course of their duties.'
He said there was 'far too high a risk' of reoffending and said 'this was not just offending but dangerous offending'.
Bail was refused and Gibbons was remanded in custody to appear again on January 9.