Town rampage incident was‘worst driving ever’ say PSNI

Constable Cavanagh of Brownlow Neighbourhood Police Team was speaking following the convictions of the pair at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

The men have been given suspended jail sentences after a rampage through Lurgan centre.

Pedestrians and motorists fled in fear as three transit vans ripped through the town smashing into traffic lights at Edward Street on July 26, 2011.

Patrick Gentle, aged 29, and William Gentle, aged 21, both from the Gilpinstown Road in Lurgan appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court on charges linked to that day.

Both were disqualified from driving for 12 months for dangerous driving and received suspended prison sentences in relation to other offences of common assault and criminal damage.

Constable Cavanagh told the Mail: “The charges related to an incident in Edward Street, Lurgan, on 26 July, 2011, when three Transit vans drove eratically, ramming into each other.

“The three vans were in collision with each other but continued driving and a traffic light was knocked down during the collision, narrowly missing another vehicle.”

He said: “This particular incident involved some of the worst driving we have ever seen and we are extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or worse. Having said that, the area of Edward Street that day was busy and a number of pedestrians and motorists were frightened by the actions of those involved.

“We hope that this conviction and sentence will make it clear that there is no place for careless, dangerous or reckless driving in our communities.”