Crashed into church wall avoiding animal

Joe O’Boyle (20) of Lawford Street, Moneymore, was also given five penalty points on charges of failing to remain and failing to report the accident on May 23 last.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop said since the defendant was a restricted driver at the time he would extend his period of restriction by six months.

Prosecuting counsel said at approximately 12.50am police at Cookstown received a report of a road traffic collision at Loup Road, Loup.

He said there was no vehicle at the scene but police found damage to a wall and there was evidence of smashed glass on the road.

Counsel said they had part of the registration number which led police to the last registered owner, O’Boyle.

He said the defendant claimed he was avoiding an animal on the road.

A defence solicitor pointed out that there were no other vehicles involved and no one had been injured.

He stressed that no alcohol had been involved and O’Boyle had cooperated fully with the police.

The solicitor explained that the defendant, who hoped to return to work as a chef after Covid, had contacted his parents who arranged for the vehicle to be removed.

He added that the defendant had paid £300 towards the cost of repairing the church wall.

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