Derry man accused of driving offences and breach of bail curfew

Jonathan Clements (33) of Glenmore Road in Derry was charged with, on October 13, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving with no insurance and driving with no licence.

Derry Magistrates’ Court heard that police were out on routine patrol when they observed a vehicle driving at speed away from the city.

The officers turned on their sirens and a short pursuit followed, it was reported.

Eventually, police officers found the car and observed an empty beer can beside the driver's seat and also noticed several unopened cans, the court was told.

The driver was not in the vehicle but Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) showed two men running from the car before police arrived, the court heard.

Upon locating the registered owner, it was discovered that the car had been sold to Clements earlier that day.

Police went to the defendant’s father's address, the address he was residing at as part of his bail conditions, and were told that Clements was not there.

Officers returned on October 14 and McClements was subsequently arrested.

Bail was objected to as Clements has twenty-four previous convictions, including eleven for driving offences.

Defence solicitor Keith Kyle made the application for bail and it was granted on conditions including that the defendant not be in the front seat of any vehicle.

He is due to appear again at Derry Magistrates’ Court on November 12.