A TWENTY-nine-year-old Newtown man arrested at the weekend in relation with motoring offences in which a police officer deploying a stinger hand to jump into a hedge to avoid being struck, has been remanded in custody.
Zacch Donagho from Derrykerrib Road, Newtownbutler is charged with dangerous driving and whilst disqualified, failing to stop for police, applying for a licence while disqualified and having no licence or insurance.
These matters occurred on June 15 at Tattymoyle Road, Fintona, however it emerged Donagho had also knowingly made a false declaration to apply for a licence while disqualified on a date in 2020.
He was already facing further charges of burglary and assault for which he had failed to attend court, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued in January this year.
A police officer aware of the facts of the case told Enniskillen Magistrates Court all charges could be connected. He explained shortly before 9pm on the day in question, police were performing a vehicle checkpoint in Fintona town centre in order to facilitate a band parade.
A black BMW was noted to slow down considerably before approaching an officer, then increase in speed and drive off. Police radioed to colleagues at a different checkpoint warning a speeding vehicle was approached and at this the BMW was noted to “crest a hill, then double back.”
An officer was able to deploy a stinger and in the process the car swerved at him in what he felt was a deliberate attempt to strike him and had to jump into a hedge to avoid impact.
The BMW’s four tyres were successfully deflated by the stinger but it continued at speed. Police conducted searches and discovered a woman “staggering” a short distance away and close to that the BMW was located in a farm laneway.
By now PSNI Air Support had been scouring the area for Donagho who had fled and thermal imaging showed him hiding in bushes two fields away from where the BMW was abandoned.
He was arrested but asked police to hand him an inhaler which was in the driver door pocket of the car and in the process of doing this officers discovered a passport.
While in custody it was discovered a driving licence in the name of Christopher Donagho with a different address in Newtownbutler but showing his photograph.
Police objected to bail on the grounds he had “a very relevant and concerning record” on both sides of the border. Police also expressed concerns he would not adhere to bail conditions, and that he posed a risk to others “especially road users, for whom he gives absolutely no consideration.”
District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail and remanded Donagho in custody to appear again by video-link at Omagh Magistrates Court on June 25.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere