County Derry man with 115 previous convictions remanded in custody for driving offences

A man with 115 previous convictions has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Kevin Clarence (30) of Glenview Drive in Limavady appeared charged with driving while disqualified and having no insurance in Maureen Avenue in Derry on June 8.

Clarence was also charged with obstructing police on the same date. 

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

He told the court that police on patrol observed a car being driven by a male with a female passenger. 

The car pulled in to the kerb at Maureen Avenue and police pulled in beside them. 

Checks revealed the vehicle was insured to a female only. 

While police were observing the court was told an officer saw the male driver try and get into the rear of the vehicle while the female tried to get into the driver's seat.

Clarence was found d to have a 5 year disqualification from driving and was 'adamant' to police that he wasn't driving.

The defendant made a completely no comment interview. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the officer said that 29 of Clarence's 115 previous convictions were for driving related offences.

He said police had 'zero confidence' the defendant would abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client did have 'an extensive and poor record' and said he also had a history of drug abuse.

He said Clarence now appeared to be drug free and there were no other charges other than those before the court. 

The solicitor urged the court 'to take a chance' and grant the defendant bail.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that the problem for Clarence was that he refused to accept his guilt.

He said that with that sort of behaviour he was unlikely to adhere to any conditions. 

He refused bail and remanded Clarence in custody to appear again on July 4.