Judge imposes 18 month disqualification on Derry driver observed driving dangerously

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how two off duty police officers observed a vehicle being driven dangerously on the Culmore Road and across the Foyle Bridge. 

James Moore (26) of Gulf Road in Derry appeared charged with dangerous driving on July 14.

The court was told that in the early hours of the morning after the off duty officers spotted Moore's car being driven at speed out of the Greenhaw Road and crossing two lanes they followed it.

As they were not in uniform they could not stop the vehicle but alerted colleagues and noted the registration number of the vehicle. 

The vehicle then made off at speed across the Foyle Bridge travelling at speeds of up to 70mph.

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At the Caw roundabout the vehicle again made off at speed displaying 'poor lane discipline' crossing between lanes all the while being followed by the two officers.

District Judge Ted Magill was asked by Sinead Rogan counsel for Moore to consider a charge of careless driving rather than dangerous driving. 

After hearing the details the judge said if it had been one incident he might have considered it but with the number of incidents it was dangerous. 

The court also heard about another incident on November 26 last year when Moore collided with a tractor that was travelling at 3mph cutting hedges.

Ms Rogan told the court her client realised 'he has got himself into difficulties'.

She asked the court to keep the penalty to a minimum. 

Judge Magill said that he couldn't do that and imposed an 18 month disqualification and fined Moore £400.