A Dungannon couple have switched their pleas in previously denied charges relating to a high-speed police pursuit in which the officers’ car was rammed twice, and a GAA pitch was damaged.
Gerard Thaddeus McLernon (37) and his partner now identified as Nicole Gallagher (30) from Bramley Meadows, were arrested following the incident on October 2 2025.
They appeared together in the dock of Dungannon Court two weeks ago, denying all charges against them, but on return today (Friday) defence counsel requested the matters be put to them again.
This time McLernon admitted with dangerous driving while disqualified and without insurance, causing damage to the Robert Emmets football pitch in Coalisland, failing to stop at the scene of an accident in which damage was accused and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
The pursuit took place over continuous Coalisland roads between Moor Road, Tamnamore Road, Derrylee Road and Clonmore Road.
Gallagher admitted obstructing police and while originally charged with dangerous driving she pleaded guilty to careless driving, which was accepted by the court.
Judge Mark McGarrity ordered pre-sentence reports and remanded the pair on continuing bail to return to court on October 30.
He also upheld a Press challenge around the continuation of a reporting restriction in terms of Gallagher, who among other points, contended her business would suffer if she were to be identified.
She also claimed to have received online threats which transpired to be comments posted under a news website coverage of the case.
Press argued the potential detrimental impact on her business is not a grounding reason for a reporting restriction, pointing out they are not for the benefit of a defendant’s feelings or comfort, or to prevent financial damage or damage to reputation concerning a person’s business.
Nor can the power be invoked to prevent identification and embarrassment of the defendant’s family because of the defendant’s public profile.
Press also highlighted no evidence of direct threat to either Gallagher or McLernon and any concerns were a matter for PSNI.
When the couple were first charged the court heard police carrying out a routine patrol pulled in a car driven by McLernon in to carry out an insurance check, but while it temporarily slowed it then sped off.
Officers gave chase and noted the speed at time reached as much as 70mph.
At one point the car reversed into the PSNI vehicle then rammed it head on before setting off again at high speed.
The car entered Robert Emmets GAA club grounds and drove across the pitch where McLernon eventually stopped and fled on foot but was detained and arrested.
The court heard, “There were a number of near misses including with a tractor during the 20 minute pursuit.”
In addition, Gallagher “acted in concert” in her car to block police in their efforts to stop him.
The judge on that occasion refused bail for McLernon stating, “This was an appalling catalogue of driving and you are a risk to the public. When I look at your record in which you have five previous instances of driving while disqualified, that shows you have no regard whatsoever for court orders. When I hear the offences and that your partner was in a car at the very least was in the vicinity at the time, I have no faith whatsoever that any bail conditions would be adhered to.”
He was later released by the High Court.
Gallagher was not brought to court at the same time as McLernon having been released on bail following police interview and instead appeared in the dock alongside him around three weeks later.
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