A Keady man who abused emergency services after he was cut from his vehicle is to be sentenced next month.
Conor McIlroy, of Carbry Heights, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse on Tuesday (January 16).
The 24-year-old is charged with disorderly behaviour, criminal damage, dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.
The court heard on November 18 last year police received reports of a VW Golf that was driving dangerously between Moy and Armagh.
Police met the vehicle in question and had to swerve to avoid it when it veered over the central reservation.
Police turned to follow the vehicle and found it had crashed, landing on its roof. The defendant was then cut from the vehicle by the NIFRS and treated by Ambulance staff.
The defendant was aggressive and used “foul” language towards police. He was asked to provide a preliminary breath test but refused.
He was then transferred to Craigavon Area Hospital, where he was abusive to police and staff and damaged hospital equipment. He was removed from custody and taken to Musgrave custody at the request of doctors.
District Judge Anne Marshall commented: “I’m now left wondering what to do with him. He’s on drink or drugs and police have had to pursue him, there was a near collision with police and then the vehicle has ended up on its roof. He could’ve killed somebody.”
A defence lawyer responded that the defendant, “appreciates that he too could have suffered serious injuries”.
Judge Marshall then ordered that a pre-sentence report be produced for the defendant for February 20, saying: “Without getting a pre-sentence report my hands are very limited as to what I can do with him and it’s too serious a case for financial penalties in my view.”
She added: “I’m very concerned at the language that he’s using to police in the hospital… The whole thing together with the driving is just very concerning.”
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