Co Tyrone man skipped 'like a gazelle along a country road' when chased by police, court hears
A Co Tyrone man who made off from police after a collision in the direction of the border with the Republic of Ireland, was ordered to carry out 140 hours of community service when he appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court.
He was also disqualified from driving for two years arising out of the incident on May 17 last year.
Stephen Patrick Michael Treanor, aged 45, of Moore Street, Aughnacloy had contested charges of dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop where an accident occurred, failing to remain where an accident occurred, resisting police, failing to stop for police, and having cocaine in his possession.
Passing sentence, District Judge Francis Rafferty told Treanor the Probation report did him no credit and his decision to contest of the charges had been hopeless.
The judge said the only thing that was in his favour was the 13-year gap in his offending.
The court heard that police were carrying out enquiries at the Spar, Main Street, Fivemiletown, when they heard a loud bang and looking over a wall saw that a car had gone nose first into a parked Audi.
Prosecuting counsel said the defendant drove around the police and a short pursuit ensued along the Altaveerdam Road where the defendant climbed out of the vehicle after setting fire to papers.
She said he made off on foot in the direction of the border but was apprehended a short time later.
Counsel said the defendant failed a roadside breath test and during a search in custody, a quantity of cocaine was located on his person.
She added that there was a criminal record.
A defence lawyer pointed out that it is now almost a year since the incident and there has been no further offending and nothing is pending.
She explained that Treanor would not be suitable for community service as he has sciatica in his back and was also awaiting an operation.
Judge Rafferty remarked that from the video footage this had not impeded him from “skipping like a gazelle along a country road”.
The judge put in place a two-year restraining order, barring Treanor from having any contact with the complainant and owner of the other car and going within 500 yards of his house.