Derry Court: Bail application refused on man charged with attempted GBI on two police officers

A man charged with attempted grievous bodily injury on two police officers by dangerous driving has failed in a bail application at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Ruarai Canning (31) of Brandywell Avenue in Derry is charged with two counts of of attempted grievous bodily injury charges, driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to remain after an accident on January 13 this year.

A police officer told the court that police attempted to stop a vehicle and two officers recognised the driver as Canning. 

The vehicle stopped but as police alighted from their vehicle the car allegedly driven by Canning made off and turned into oncoming traffic.

When interviewed about the offences Canning denied everything and said he had an alibi for the time of the offences. 

The court was told that the person named as the alibi did not confirm the story. 

The officer said that the same vehicle, which had not been recovered, was believed to have been used in 'a serious armed robbery in Bridgend, County Donegal.'

Bail was opposed due to the risk of interference with evidence, namely the vehicle, and the risk of flight. 

The officer said that police believed Canning may well be linked to the incident in Donegal. 

Under cross-examination by a defence barrister the officer said that he had identified Canning in the same vehicle in Bridgend on CCTV provided by the Gardai. 

The barrister said that the defendant had a job offer and there would be sometime before the case came to court. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said there was a clear risk of re-offending and interference with evidence and refused the bail application. 

Canning will appear again on May 4.