Police restrained Bellaghy man who was 'screaming and shouting'

A young south Derry man has been disqualified after a car in which he was driving home a friend ran out of fuel attracting police attention.
Man had to be be restrained by policeMan had to be be restrained by police
Man had to be be restrained by police

A young south Derry man has been disqualified after a car in which he was driving home a friend ran out of fuel attracting police attention.

Patrick Martin Gilmore (21), from Birchwood in Bellaghy, was fined a total of £415 and banned from driving for 16 months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gilmore admitted driving with excess alcohol, having no insurance, resisting police, and having a defective windscreen and tyre on July 2.

A prosecuting lawyer told Magherafelt Magistrates Court that a car driven by Gilmour came to a stop at Rockbrook Road around 9.30pm.

She said police carried out a check of the vehicle noting a cracked windscreen and defective tyre.

The lawyer said police suspected defendant had consumed intoxicating liquor and he gave false details.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Continuing, the barrister said Gilmore suddenly became “extremely aggressive” screaming and shouting at police who had to restrain him and call for further assistance.

She said defendant requested handcuffs to be loosened and when police did so he became aggressive again.

Counsel added that Gilmore was taken to Omagh custody suite where he provided a breath specimen, which showed an alcoholic count of 77mgs.

A defence lawyer explained that the defendant had stupidly taken it upon himself to drive his passenger home believing he was more capable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said defendant had not considered the condition of the vehicle as it had run out of fuel and that was how it came to the attention of the police.

District Judge Alan White said that the defendant was twice the legal limit and that his attitude towards the police on the night was reprehensible.

Mr White certified Gilmore for the drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, entitles him to a four-month reduction in his period of disqualification.