Teenage motorist from Castledawson panicked and sped off from police

Paul McKeever (19), of Ashbourne, Castledawson, was also fined a total of £315 for dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

The court heard that police saw three persons sitting in a parked car at Moyola industrial estate in Castledawson on November 7 last year.

A prosecuting lawyer said on seeing police the defendant’s car, which had ‘R’ plates displayed, made off without stopping along the Moyola Road. He said the car was travelling in excess of 60mph in a 30mph zone, and continued to pull away from the liveried police car.

Counsel said the vehicle went straight across the mini-roundabout at Bridge Street and continued at speed along Main Street straddling the central white line.

He said due to the high speed, the presence of parked vehicles on both sides of the street, police decided it was unsafe to continue the pursuit.

The car turned left into Curran Road and pulled over into a lay-by where police spoke to the driver, McKeever, who said he had panicked.

Defence solicitor Donard McCann said McKeever would not be in court if he had simply stopped for the police.

Mr McCann stressed the defendant was insured and all his documents were in order.