Derry man admits ramming two police vehicles and injuring seven police officers jailed

A man has been jailed at Derry Crown Court after admitting ramming two police vehicles and injuring seven police officers.

Kevin Daniel Derges (35) of Glenowen Park in Derry admitted two charges of dangerous driving on September 17, 2023.

He also admitted possessing cocaine and driving with excess alcohol on the same date. 

The court heard that police attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Derges using lights and sirens but the vehicle made off at speed.

Police caught up with Derges who then proceeded to ram a police vehicle on three occasions injuring two officers.

The car then proceeded to the Republic of Ireland but was observed a short time later on the Groarty Road. 

Police followed the vehicle which was being driven at speed and at one point turned off it's lights.

Eventually he pulled into a narrow road and rammed another police vehicle injuring five officers. 

At this point an officer smashed a window in the vehicle and Derges surrendered to police. 

The court heard that the defendant had been convicted when he was 17 of killing his best friend by dangerous driving. 

Judge Philip Babington said 'dangerous driving is a very serious offence' and said the defendant should be well aware of that considering his record.

He said Derges had used his car as a weapon and added that following his earlier conviction it is 'hard to believe you behaved as you did on this evening.'

He imposed a sentence of 18 months in prison and disqualified Derges from driving for three years. 

He was also fined £500.