Man accused of taking his mother’s car without permission and drink driving refused bail

A Co Tyrone man accused of taking his mother’s car without permission and driving dangerously whilst under the influence has been refused bail.

The deputy district judge told court: “I believe there is a serious risk he will commit further offences, based on his record and the fact there is a suspended sentence and that he was on police bail.”

Adam Acheson, 25, of Baronscourt Road in Omagh, appeared facing nine charges at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Wednesday via videolink from police custody.

The accused was charged with driving with excess alcohol, failing to provide a specimen of breath, using a vehicle without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, not displaying a number plate, taking a vehicle without authority, dangerous driving and two counts of theft.

As these were read, it was heard that all of the offences were alleged to have occurred on September 8 with the theft relating to two registration plates.

It was also heard that the driving matters were alleged to have occurred on Thornlea, Omagh, and the M12 motorway in Portadown.

Acheson confirmed to the court that he understood the charges and was then connected to them by a constable.

Defence solicitor Sean-Pol Begley made no question to the connection and made it know that a bail application was to be mounted on his client’s behalf.

The constable stated that this was opposed as the defendant was on court bail for a similar matter.

He said the charges arise from Acheson allegedly taking his mother’s car without her permission.

Mr Begley stated: “I accept that this is a difficult bail application, it is accepted that he has a relevant record. This is a young man with a difficult background who suffers with mental health problems, including PTSD and delusional disorders.

“He was on bail last year, with stringent conditions. There was one breach but that bail was for an extensive period of time.”

He added that the bail application was being made for the defendant to reside with his father, who is a “great support” to him.

Deputy District Judge Alan White stated: “I am refusing bail as I believe there is a serious risk he will commit further offences, based on his record and the fact there is a suspended sentence and that he was on police bail.”

Bail was refused and the case was adjourned until October 2.

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