Newbliss man drove at gardaí

A Newbliss man who drove at a garda while escaping from gardaí was sentenced to a total of six months in prison and disqualified from driving for three years when he pleaded guilty to a number of offences at Clones District Court. Dwayne Teague, Lisnagore, Newbliss, was sentenced to six months and disqualified for one year when convicted of dangerous driving at Largy, Clones, on March 20. He was given a similar sentence and three-year disqualification for dangerous driving, again at Largy. Clones, on the same occasion. The defendant was also given a concurrent six-month term and one-year disqualification for having no insurance on his vehicle. In relation to the incident on May 8 he was sentenced to six months and disqualified for three years concurrent for having no insurance on his vehicle at Largy, Clones. He was also given a three-month concurrent term for causing criminal damage at Applegreen Service Station, Largy, Clones. Inspector Alan Cunningham said on March 20 gardaí observed the defendant in a car at Largy, Clones, and signalled him to stop. He drove at the patrol car colliding with its door, and drove at Garda McEvoy. The defendant then drove off and went through a red light. He was pursued by the patrol car and prevented it from overtaking by driving in the middle of the road. The defendant eventually made good his escape by driving across the Border. On May 8 at 8.30am at the Applegreen Service Station gardaí again observed the defendant sitting in a car. When he saw them he reversed, colliding with a steel girder that contained shopping trolleys and fire extinguishers, causing damage. Again he took off at speed, taking both sides of the road, and was pursued by gardaí. Once again he made his escape by crossing the Border. On May 28 he was arrested and taken to Monaghan Garda Station. After caution he made a full and frank statement of admission. He claimed he had no insurance on his vehicle and that was why he took off. The defendant had previous convictions. Defending solicitor Mr. Kevin Hickey said his client's history was pretty horrendous. He was only 23 years of age, was living with his mother and unemployed. "Mr. Teague appears to suffer from depression, has dyslexia and cannot read or write." Mr. Hickey had informed him he was at risk of going to prison. Mr. Hickey implored Judge MacBride to be lenient with his client and to impose a community service order in lieu of a prison term. "I don't think a prison term would serve any benefit." Judge Sean MacBride said the defendant drove his car at Garda McEvoy before escaping across the Border. He needed help and social services could be employed on that front, the judge added. The defendant had pleaded guilty to serious charges and his conduct was disgraceful. Judge MacBride was amazed that the DPP didn't proffer a charge of reckless endangerment against the defendant as he drove at Garda McEvoy. "Your previous conviction led me to believe that you have not learned your lesson. It seems to me you think you are above the law." On May 8 he drove in a dangerous manner and at speed before crossing the Border. The defendant was driving a Tyrone registered car on both occasions and he could not understand why he should be driving a northern registered car as he had an address in the south. "I believe you are a threat to society," the judge added. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal in his own bond of €1000 cash. If an appeal is lodged bail conditions are that he obeys a curfew between 10pm and 7am, signs on daily at Clones between 9am and 9pm, abstains from alcohol and has no association with any known criminals.