Derry man who allegedly rammed police vehicle released on bail
Ryan McLaughlin (28) of Blighs Gardens appeared before Derry Magistrate's Court facing a series of driving charges including dangerous driving on August 11
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged in connection with an incident in which a police vehicle was allegedly rammed.
Ryan McLaughlin (28) of Bligh's Gardens in Derry appeared facing a series of driving charges including dangerous driving on August 11.
He was further charged with driving while unfit, failing to stop after an accident, failing to stop for police, possessing an offensive weapon namely a machete and possessing cocaine again on the same date.
McLaughlin faced a total of 12 charges in relation to the incidents.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
He told the court that police were on patrol in Beraghvale and observed a vehicle that sped towards them and then made off.
Around 30 minutes later the same vehicle was observed in Ederowen Park and when police approached the court heard the defendant tried to conceal his face before driving off.
An alert was put out for the vehicle and as a police vehicle was at the Racecourse Road it was rammed by the vehicle in question.
Shortly afterwards the vehicle was found abandoned and the defendant was said to have run off towards Cornshell Fields.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a large machete and a quantity of suspected cocaine.
The defendant was arrested and the officer said he obstructed and resisted police during the arrest.
Defence solicitor Kevin Casey said that his client had spoken freely to the police and denied all the charges.
He said that the registered keeper of the vehicle was another person known to the court and that the evidence would be mainly forensic.
The solicitor said that with 'strict conditions' the defendant could be managed on bail.
District Judge Barney McElholm released McLaughlin on bail with a curfew from 8.30pm to 8.00am, an electronic tag and a condition he does not travel in any private vehicle.
He is also prohibited from alcohol and non-prescription drugs.
McLaughlin will appear again on September 5.