Northern Ireland

Learner who led police on high-speed chase escapes jail term

Conor Martin from Dunloy, Co Antrim, admitted to a string of driving offences. Picture by Mark Jamieson
Conor Martin from Dunloy, Co Antrim, admitted to a string of driving offences. Picture by Mark Jamieson Conor Martin from Dunloy, Co Antrim, admitted to a string of driving offences. Picture by Mark Jamieson

A MAN who led police on a high-speed chase just after he attended a relative's anniversary Mass has avoided jail.

Conor Martin (19), an unaccompanied learner of Bellaghy Road, Dunloy, tried to out-run officers on Sunday February 25 this year, Coleraine Magistrates' Court heard.

During the 20-minute chase, he reached speeds of up to 90mph, drove on the wrong side of the road, reversed into one police car and then smashed into another, injuring two officers.

When police finally stopped the car, a small piece of cannabis was found.

The 'lowered' Peugeot 406 car was examined and it had defects including springs which were not the correct size.

Martin pleaded guilty to a string of crimes including dangerous driving; failing to stop for police; using a vehicle in a dangerous condition; having an incorrect number plate and offences relating to suspension, exhaust and tyres.

He was uninsured, had no MOT; was an unaccompanied learner driver; had not displayed L plates and he also admitted causing criminal damage to a police vehicle.

Martin also pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis.

He was banned from driving for two years and must complete 240 hours of community service.

District Judge Barney McElholm said yesterday: "I think you have to prove to the community that you are a fit person to be on the road again. Hopefully, you will learn from this".