Cross-border pursuit driver is refused bail

A CO Fermanagh man has been remanded in custody after a high-speed cross-border police chase in which a car was allegedly driven at a police officer.

Drugs, including cocaine, were seized afterwards.

Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard when efforts were made to stop the accused, he drove at the officer who had to jump into a grass verge to avoid being struck.

Darryl William Kennedy (29) from Old Mill Court, Lisbellaw faces 13 charges, including dangerous driving; failing to stop for police; possession of cocaine, cannabis and other drugs; failing to provide a specimen of breath; driving without a licence or insurance; and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

An officer said all charges could be connected to Kennedy.

He said a call was received from gardai at around 10am on December 5 stating the driver of a black BMW had failed to stop in Co Cavan, and was heading towards the border at Derrylin.

A checkpoint was set up, but the defendant “drove at police forcing an officer to jump into the grass verge”, narrowly missing contact.

Kennedy headed in the direction of Lisnaskea with police in pursuit. A stinger device was deployed by another crew but Kennedy drove over this and continued on with two tyres deflated.

At Maguiresbridge, another stinger was deployed, which Kennedy again drove over and sped off with all tyres now deflated.

As he continued driving, Kennedy threw a small packet from the car which was later retrieved by police and found to contain a white substance.

Meanwhile the pursuit continued during which Kennedy was at times on the wrong side of the road and colliding with kerbs.

Police managed to carry out a controlled stop just prior to Lisbellaw village and Kennedy was arrested.

Whilst being taken to custody he stated: “I only wanted to get rid of the package.”

Tablets were found in his property, which he accepted were not prescribed to him. Having tested negative for alcohol, Kennedy refused to provide a blood sample to check for drugs in his system.

He was placed in a cell and a short time later police discovered a gold-coloured canister sitting on the toilet containing packets of white powder and a herbal substance.

The canister was covered in faeces and police believe Kennedy had secreted it internally.

A search carried out at his home recovered large packages of white powder and while police believe these are controlled substances, Kennedy has declined to confirm this.

Opposing bail, the officer said the incident “resulted in numerous offences whereby the defendant risked his own life and that of other members of the public during this pursuit”. “Drugs have been lost and the defendant could be in debt to those who owned them. He may seek to make up the loss by reoffending.”

Bail was refused and Kennedy is to appear again by video-link next month.