Derry man who fled police convicted of dangerous driving

A man who drove off at speed when approached by police struck the body armour of one officer 'a glancing blow' Derry Magistrate's Court heard today. 

John Paul Muldoon (25) of Clon Dara in Derry appeared charged with a variety of offences linked to defects in his car and obstructing a drugs search on January 4 this year.

He admitted these offences but denied a dangerous driving charge on the same date.

The court heard that police observed the vehicle parked in an unlit area of a carpark.

They noticed the number plate was defective and the front windows were heavily tinted.

As police approached they noticed a strong smell of cannabis.

The defendant then became 'extremely irate and argumentative' before he stated 'f--k this' and made off at speed.

While making off he struck a glancing blow to the body armour of one officer but not injuring him and almost struck the kerb.

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During interview Muldoon said he 'panicked' and said 'it was just a reaction.'

District Judge Ted Magill said that he was satisfied it was dangerous driving and as the defendant had 17 previous convictions he wanted a pre-sentence report. 

He told the defendant 'a prison sentence is a possibility in this case' and urged him to co-operate with probation. 

Muldoon will be sentenced on December 5.