Enniskillen Court House RMG10
A man who fled from police through Lisnaskea, forcing two officers to jump out of his way to avoid being hit, has been given a driving ban and a suspended sentence.
Timothy O’Hare (26) of Rectory, the Diamond, Clones appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday for sentencing for dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop for police, no insurance, no test certificate, failing to stop at an accident, failure to remain at the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, and possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.
At approximately 8.30pm on June 24 police controlling traffic at a junction on the Knocks Road in Lisnaskea when the observed a Volkswagen Bora being driven at speed towards them. The car continued past them at speed, forcing one of the officers to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.
As the car continued towards Main Street, O’Hare drove towards police again, failing to stop for another officer who was also forced to jump out of its path to avoid being hit.
O’Hare then lost control of the car and crashed into a bollard, then drove off in the direction of Drumhaw Park before pulling into the side of the road. The defendant was apprehended as he and another man ran to a nearby estate.
O’Hare was arrested and made no reply after caution.
After he was arrested, police found a small amount of cannabis on O’Hare, who said it was enough for a small joint. With regard to his driving, he explained to the officers he’d panicked when he saw police as he was driving without insurance, and kept driving to avoid being caught.
Defence solicitor Myles McManus describe the incident as “a foolish and idiotic escapade” during which O’Hare had endangered the police officers by his manner of driving.
District Judge Nigel Broderick pointed out O’Hare, who has no record in the North, had a set of “remarkably similar” convictions in the South, including dangerous driving and drugs, which he said “mirrored” the Lisnaskea offences.
The case had previously been adjourned and a pre-sentence report from probation services in the South was handed in to the court. Mr McManus said the report stated O’Hare was at low risk of reoffending.
A letter of reference from O’Hare’s employer was also handed in which the solicitor said showed the defendant was “held in very high esteem.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick said O’Hare’s driving had been “atrocious” and he “easily could’ve killed someone”, having forced police officers to jump out of his way for safety.
“It is extremely fortunate no one was injured by you trying to get away from police,” said the judge.
However, Judge Broderick added the pre-sentence report showed O’Hare was remorseful, and he said as a young man in employment the defendant had a lot to lose.
While he stated the custody threshold had been met in the case, Judge Broderick said he was “going to leave something hanging over his head.”
In total, O’Hare was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for 18 months, was disqualified for a total of 18 months, and was fined a total of £775.