Derry man (21) jailed for 'appalling catalogue of driving'
A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court for what a judge described as an 'appalling catalogue of driving' including an incident where an ambulance had to take evasive action.
Oran McGlinchey (21) of Clon Elagh in Derry appeared charged with 4 different driving incidents.
The court heard that in October 29 2024 police were tasked to a road traffic accident on the Buncrana Road and were told a vehicle driven by McGlinchey had collided with the rear of another vehicle.
Then on July 18 2025 police observed a vehicle and checks showed there was no insurance.
Police pursued the vehicle driven by McGlinchey using blue lights and sirens and the vehicle drove towards the border, at times driving in the middle of the road.
In the course of the pursuit and ambulance operating its lights and sirens had to take evasive action.
In a separate incident, on November 1 2025 on the Skeoge Road police approached McGlinchey's vehicle and he made off at times at speeds of 90-95mph.
He also overtook a number of vehicles while being pursued.
Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said the offending took place during a time the defendant was having mental health issues.
She said her client is grateful nothing more serious had occurred.
District Judge Ted Magill said that McGlinchey had shown 'a total disregard for traffic regulations and the safety of others'.
He told him that he was fortunate not to be before the Crown Court.
McGlinchey was jailed for 8 months, disqualified from driving for two years and fined £400.