Man charged with a series of driving and drug offences after allegedly nearly driving into bands in Magherafelt

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with a series of driving and drug offences after he allegedly nearly drove into bands in Magherafelt. 

David Golding (48) with an address at Campion Street, Hatfield in London was charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on June 28.

The court heard that police were alerted that a driver had driven near some bands taking part in a parade and it was suspected he was under the influence. 

Police approached Golding who at this stage was surrounded by irate bandsmen who told police he had nearly driven into some of the bands.

Golding was said to be unsteady on his feet but blew zero on a preliminary breath test. 

A police officer said that police felt he was under the influence of something substance but he refused a blood test. 

Class B and class C drugs were allegedly found in the car.

Defence counsel Fergal McCormack said his client had an address in London and would appear at any court hearing by Sightlink if necessary. 

He said that an arrest warrant for Golding was some eight years old.

Golding was released on bail to appear again on July 28.