31/07/2012

Drunk Driver Sentence For Trying To Ram Police Car

A drunk driver who tried to ram a police car and then told officers he hoped they were blown up has been banned from driving for five years, the BBC has reported.

Carl Dougherty, 29, must also serve two years on probation and undergo anger management for a "horrendous" spree of offending in east Belfast.

The man, of Kyle Street in the city, admitted a range of offences, including assaulting police, committed in the early hours of 21 April.

He also admitted the following: dangerous driving, resisting arrest, criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, failing to provide a breath specimen, having no insurance, and failure to stop, remain at or report an accident.

He was in a Renault Clio, driving at speed in the vicinity of Newtownards and Holywood.

When police caught him, he attempted to ram the PSNI vehicle after appearing to stop.

Dougherty was later arrested, spitting in one policeman's face during a struggle where four officers were needed to control him.

A prosecuting lawyer said he continued to be disorderly, shouting abuse at officers.

At one stage he said: "I hope the IRA put a bomb under your car and blow you up."

A defence barrister said his client was ashamed of his behaviour.

"It's an absolutely horrendous set of offences," the lawyer accepted.

District Judge Harry McKibbin imposed two years probation and disqualified Dougherty from driving for five years after stressing "the enormity of the offences has got to be considered".

Mr McKibbin stipulated that the defendant must participate in anger management and an alcoholism course.

(NE)

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