A 24-year old man who admitted stealing a milk lorry then driving the vehicle so dangerously he injured other road-users was warned today that he faces a lengthy jail term.
Judge Patricia Smyth issued the warning to Darren McGrath who appeared at Belfast Crown Court on offences arising from the theft of the milk van.
McGrath, of no fixed abode, faced a total of 20 charges arising from the incident in the city on January 5 this year. After he entered 'guilty' pleas to 15 of the offences, a prosecution barrister said the Crown would be leaving the remaining five charges 'on the books.'
The defendant admitted stealing the Iveco van from the Castle Street area then driving it dangerously on roads including Balkan Street and Cavendish Street. He also admitted aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to the milk lorry and other vehicles, and also aggravated vehicle taking causing injury to others.
In addition, McGrath admitted driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance and failing to give a specimen of blood.
Although no details of the incident emerged today, a previous hearing was told that a woman was knocked unconscious when the milk lorry struck her car whilst being driven the wrong way up a one-way street.
After McGrath entered his guilty pleas, his barrister Sean O'Hare told Judge Smyth his client "has been in custody since the date of the offences." In reply, the judge said: "I have no doubt he has, and I have no doubt he will be there for a long time."
Mr O'Hare also revealed McGrath had issues with non-prescription medication.
Pre-sentence reports were ordered and will be compiled ahead of sentencing on October 14.
