Man known to 'most if not every police officer in Derry' charged with dangerous driving

A man 'most if not every police officer in Derry would be aware of' has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Harry Boyle (35) of Claremont House in Derry was allegedly spotted by police on February 20 to be driving with an unknown male.

Boyle, who an officer said is well known to police, was said to have tried to conceal his face with his hand and refused to stop when police indicated for him to do so.

He was then said to have driven off at speed, pushing past police and causing other cars to have to move to avoid a collision before driving through a red light.

Boyle was arrested on February 21 after a further report to police of him in the same vehicle.

The court heard that Boyle had been convicted in January of driving while disqualified and had 'an extensive record' with 28 priors for breaching his bail. 

The police officer continued that Boyle 'was a clear risk to the public' if he continued to drive. 

Boyle denied all offences and defence barrister Sean Doherty said that he denied being in the car at all, calling it a case of 'mistaken identification'.

Police then told the court that Boyle was seen the following day as a passenger in the same car.

Bail was refused and he will appear again on March 19.