Drove on after crashing in to shed outside property

Daniel Montegomery (36), of Oakvale Place, Culnady, was also given five penalty points when he appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He admitted charges of driving without due care and attention, failing to stop, failing to report, and failing to remain in a damage only accident at Curdian Road, Maghera, between December 30 last and January 2 this year.

Counsel prosecuting said on January 1 police received a report of a car being driven into a shed outside a property.

She said the registration plate was found near the shed which may have been linked to the vehicle involved.

The lawyer said police checks were made and they led them to the defendant.

She said Montgomery told them he knew why they were there and it was as a result of the incident earlier that day.

Counsel said the defendant told police he was unaware that it was an offence not to stop and report the accident.

Montgomery, who was not professionally represented, was asked by the Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop if he had anything to say in answer to the charges.

Montgomery replied: “Not much.”

Imposing the penalties, Mr Dunlop told the defendant he was given him “the benefit of the doubt as in a case like this there is the suggestion that the person had alcohol on board”.

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