Man sentenced over stolen van and drugs at Derry court
A man has been sentenced at Derry Magistrate's Court in connection with a van that was stolen in the city.
Matthew Grant (23) of no fixed abode was charged with, on July 1, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, stealing a vehicle, possession of Class B drugs and failure to provide a specimen for police.
Police were alerted to a stolen van by the owner, and found it on the Buncrana Road three hours later with the keys in the ignition and Grant inside.
Police suspected him to be under the influence of drugs and found Class C drugs upon searching him. He was also found to be disqualified from driving.
Grant later refused to provide a blood sample in the hospital.
He admitted to possessing the drugs and driving while disqualified but denied any charges involving the vehicle.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said Grant had been in custody since July and noted the van was returned undamaged.
He added that Grant has had addiction issues for many years but 'is determined to change his ways'.
District Judge Conor Heaney sentenced Grant to seven months custody, and disqualified him from driving for two years.