A car drove into the grounds of a Derry church with police in chase while a funeral was taking place, a court has been told.
Dean Beatie (31), of Glenvale Road in Derry, appeared in court charged with, on January 14, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance, driving while unfit due to drink or drugs and possession of Diazepam.
Derry Magistrate’s Court heard Beattie drove into the grounds of St Eugene’s Cathedral in an attempt to escape while a funeral was going on and rammed a vehicle there.
Officers recognised Beatie as being disqualified from driving and signaled for him to stop in the William Street area at 9.20am.
Beatie instead drove into oncoming traffic, causing a number of cars to swerve to avoid him.
He then proceeded to drive into the grounds of St. Eugene’s Cathedral, where another car was blocking his attempted escape route.
Beatie rammed into the car before police managed to take the keys out of the ignition and arrested him for a number of driving offences.
Beatie later tested positive for traces of cocaine and cannabis. Police also found a Diazepam tablet in his possession.
Beatie admitted to driving the car despite knowing he had no license, but claimed that his driving wasn’t dangerous.
The court heard that Beatie has 128 previous convictions, including 29 for driving and 31 for drugs. Police objected to bail as they believe he is at risk of reoffending and is a risk to the public.
Defence Barrister Brendan Kearney said that Beatie had ‘made certain admissions’ to the charges and ‘clearly has a very bad record’, but added that he hasn’t offended since June last year.
District Judge Barney McElhom remanded Beatie custody. He will appear again on February 12.