A Dublin man has appeared in court on Friday accused of involvement in a cross-border police pursuit.
Appearing at Newry Magistrates Court via videolink from police custody, 29-year-old Dwayne Keane confirmed that he understood the three charges against him.
Keane, from Nash Street in Dublin, was charged with driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, driving without insurance and possessing Class B cannabis on 27 August this year.
The charges arise as a result of a cross-border pursuit in the early hours of Thursday.
In a police statement released following the arrest, Inspector Stewart said: “Shortly after 11:50pm, it was reported that a silver Honda Civic was detected by officers on the A1 Northbound Carriageway having crossed the border.
“It is believed the car was involved in relation to other offences earlier in the evening, before making its way across the border towards Newry.
“The vehicle was located shortly after by officers on the hard shoulder near the off slip for Forkhill Road. Significant damage was reported to the vehicle, which was seized by police.
“Officers later arrested a man in the Dublin Road area of Newry on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession of a Class B Controlled drug. He is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
“This is another example that highlights the success of our partnership with An Garda Síochána in tackling crime along the border area.”
In court today (Friday), Constable Weir said he believed he could connect Keane to each of the charges, while a prosecuting lawyer told the court how Gardai officers had recognised the defendant.
By the time the PSNI found the car on the Dublin Road in Newry, there was no sign of the driver but a “dog call sign” found Keane nearby, adding that he claimed he had “gone for a spin” in the car but denied he had been driving.
When he was searched, police found a “joint” in his pocket and defence solicitor Joe McVeigh said Keane maintains he was not driving but did admit to having the cannabis.
The officer confirmed to the lawyer that police were “amenable” to bail if there was a substantial cash surety.
District Judge Eamon King granted bail in the sum of £1,000 and a £1,000 surety, ordering that Keane will not be freed “until that money is paid into Newry court office.”
The case was adjourned to 2 September.
