Dungiven man caused multiple vehicle crash on Glenshane and then fled the scene

A Dungiven man who caused a multiple vehicle collision and fled the scene sparking a major police operation has been banned from the road.

Cal Mullan, of Ard Na Smoll, appeared before Limavady Magistrates' Court, sitting in Coleraine, this morning (Wednesday) charged with dangerous driving.

The 21 year-old was further charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

The court heard that police were tasked to a road traffic collision on the Glenshane Road outside Dungiven on June 23 2024.

The reporting person said they had been travelling towards Belfast when another vehicle, being driven by Mullan, overtook him.

Mullan's car collided with a bus which was travelling in the opposite direction.

The court heard that a car door landed in the middle of the road, which a third car was able to avoid.

However, a fourth car was unable to get stopped in time and ended up colliding with the door and spinning around before landing on its roof. The driver of this car became trapped in the vehicle.

Following the crash, Mullan exited his vehicle and made off through a field.

The reporting person went after him however he lost sight of him after a short time.

Police made efforts to locate Mullan by helicopter and also with drones and dogs however they were unable to locate him.

A solicitor for the defendant said the incident was 'very serious' but said his client was thankful that no major injuries were sustained by anyone.

Describing Mullan as 'a decent young man', the solicitor said his client, a former bricklayer, had 'panicked' and 'took the immature approach to escape from the scene'.

He said following the incident he went home and spoke to his father before presenting himself to police the following day.

District Judge Peter King told Mullan that his behaviour was 'absolutely deplorable and quite frankly cowardly'.

“The best that can be said for you today is the fact you have come before the court with no record and have pleaded guilty,” said Judge King.

Mullan was disqualified from driving for 16 months and was fined £750.