‘Airborne’ uninsured driver jailed for dangerous driving

A man, currently serving an 18 month jail term, was given a further sentence after he admitted dangerous driving as he was being pursued by Gardaí in Ballytivnan.

Charlie Andrews, Rathbraughan Line went airborne over a speed ramp as he waqs being followed by Sergeant John Walsh in the Ballytivnan/Bundoran Road area on May 5 th 2016.

Sgt Walsh, who was driving an unmarked car at 10.30pm, saw the defendant exit Rathbraughan Line at speed and without stopping or indicating.

The sergeant had to move to his left to avoid a collision. He did a u-turn and followed the defendant who continued to drive at speed.

The sergeant activated the blue lights on the unmarked car but Andrews speeded up. At Ballytivnan road he was momentarily air borne as he went over a speed ramp.

Andrews drove on tot he Bundoran road without stopping and later pulled in at Mullen’s garage. Sgt Walsh pulled his car alongside the driver’s side of the defendant’s car which meant he could not get out. A demanded was made from the defendant for his insurance but it was not produced. The car had no tax or NCT.

The defendant had a number of previous convictions including for insurance, speeding and drugs. In June 2016 he was banned for five years.

Mr John Anderson, solicitor (defending) pleaded that the defendant was currently serving a sentence of 18 months with a release date September 2018. He was on alcohol and drugs at the time and was in a bad palce, said Mr Anderson who added that while in prison the defendant was studying for his junior certificate.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said this was a very bad case and he had been banned at the time. He jailed Andrews for five months from the date of the court and banned him fron driving for eight years.