Magherafelt motorist crashed into public toilets in Desertmartin after 'aggressively accelerating' away from police
A young south Derry motorist who crashed into a wall at the public toilets in Desertmartin after being followed by police at speeds in excess of 120mph, has lost his licence for 15 months.
Magherafelt Magistrates Court was told that the 22-year-old’s car had earlier been spotted by police driving in excess of 30mph in Moneymore, and taking a corner ending up on the wrong side of the road in front of the police vehicle before “aggressively accelerating” away towards Desertmartin.
Drew Derby, of Rockbrook Road, Magherafelt, was handed a Community Service Order for 180 hours on charges of driving while unfit through drink / drugs, and dangerous driving.
He was also fined £250 with a £15 offender’s levy for having in his possession the Class B drug methylmcthcathinone.
District Judge Conor Heaney warned Derby the Community Service Order is “a direct alternative to a custodial sentence”.
He ordered him to pay £1,750 compensation, and made a destruction order for the drug.
Mr Heaney told him that he had contested the case and would get no credit, however he noted from the Probation report that he had displayed victim awareness and was considered a low likelihood of reoffending.
Prosecuting counsel said the incident happened on August 29, 2025, just before midnight, and police followed the defendant’s vehicle which reached speeds in excess of 120mph.
The lawyer said on the approach to Desertmartin village the defendant’s vehicle was travelling at 100mph and as the village is a 30mph zone, police deactivated their lights and later observed the defendant’s car had crashed into a wall at the public toilets.
He said a passenger in the vehicle was trying to get out of the passenger door while Derby had got out and made off but was later apprehended.
Counsel said the defendant passed a preliminary breath test and a search located a small bag of the Class B drug methylmcthcathinone in the car.
He sustained an injury in the crash and was taken to Antrim Hospital, where a blood test was taken and forensics showed traces of methylmcthcathinone.
The lawyer added that damage to the wall was estimated by Mid Ulster District Council to cost £3,850 to fix.
A defence lawyer stressed Derby is “remorseful for his actions” and is in full time employment.