Driver Charged With Attempting To Murder PSNI Man

A north Belfast man has been remanded in custody after allegedly trying to run over a police officer in Co Down.

Michael Ferguson, of Cliftonville Avenue, is being kept in custody on a charge of attempted murder after a police officer was hit by a stolen car in Newry.

He is also charged with burglary, aggravated car theft, criminal damage and other driving offences.

Ferguson ,27, and Malachy Gerard Goodman, 25, from Ballymurphy Parade, Belfast, both covered their faces while presented with a series of allegations following an alleged night time crime spree.

The two unemployed men are accused of going on a rampage of theft and burglary culminating in a near fatal road traffic accident in the Toll House Park area of Newry.

Ferguson, wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a blue T-shirt, was accused of driving a Subaru Impreza car without consent and while disqualified and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ferguson also refused to provide a specimen, the court was told.

The sports car was said to have struck a PSNI vehicle, failing to stop at the scene of the accident.

Ferguson was charged with the attempted murder of PSNI Constable William Brown, who was badly injured in the accident and needed hospital treatment. He has since been released from medical care.

The court also heard four counts of theft among the many allegations. The case was adjourned until May 13 when the two accused will appear in court via video link.

(BMcC/JM)