A DISQUALIFIED driver with an appalling record was jailed for two years yesterday for motoring offences.
Joseph Patrick Collins (45) pleaded guilty to a total of eight charges, including aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst unfit and failing to stop and remain at an accident.
Prosecutor David McClean told Belfast Crown Court the offences all took place in November 2014 and culminated with the arrest of Collins in west Belfast after he had side-swiped another car in a stolen Ford Kuga.
Defence lawyer Joel Lindsay said Collins, of Ardcaoin Green in Poleglass, accepted he had an awful record and was a menace to society, but was making an effort to reform, and now needed a sentence that would leave him some hope for the future.
Ordering that he serve two years in custody, followed by two on licence, Judge Gordon Kerr told him he had a truly appalling record and his behaviour that night was inexcusable.
He added that Collins was an adult offender, with multiple convictions, including 16 for driving whilst disqualified.
However, while he was considered a high risk of reoffending, surprisingly he was not considered as presenting a risk of serious harm to others.
