TWO Lurgan men have been given suspended jail terms for charges linked to a driving rampage through the town centre.
Described as “some of the worse driving we have ever seen”, a local police constable has welcomed the sentencing of the men for dangerous driving.
Constable Cavanagh of Brownlow Neighbourhood Police Team was speaking following the convictions of the pair at Craigavon Magistrates Court.
The men have been given suspended jail sentences after a rampage through Lurgan centre.
Pedestrians and motorists fled in fear as three transit vans ripped through the town, smashing into traffic lights at Edward Street on July 26, 2011.
Patrick Gentle, 29, and 21-year-old William Gentle, both from the Gilpinstown Road, appeared at court on charges linked to that day.
Both were disqualified from driving for 12 months for dangerous driving and received suspended prison sentences in relation to other offences of common assault and criminal damage.
Constable Cavanagh said: “The charges related to an incident in Edward Street, Lurgan, on 26 July, 2011, when three Transit vans drove eratically, ramming into each other.
“The three vans were in collision with each other but continued driving and a traffic light was knocked down during the collision, narrowly missing another vehicle.
“This particular incident involved some of the worst driving we have ever seen and we are extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or worse. Having said that, the area of Edward Street that day was busy and a number of pedestrians and motorists were frightened by the actions of those involved.
“We hope that this conviction and sentence will make it clear that there is no place for careless, dangerous or reckless driving in our communities.”
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