Cross border speeder given suspended prison sentence

A man who was involved in a high speed car chase through the streets of Derry before fleeing over the border admitted that it was ‘very bad driving’ when interviewed.
Martin Stokes (20) of 35, Glendale Road in Derry admitted a series of driving offences that occurred on October 4 last.
The court heard that a police patrol on the Letterkenny Road saw a car emerging out on to the main road.
They noticed the driver covered his face when passing the police vehicle and set off in pursuit. As the police pursued the car at times it was travelling at speeds in excess of 80 mph.
The chase continued through the streets and into the city centre and Stokes was identified as being the driver.
The court heard that on several occasions Stokes pulled out into the oncoming lane forcing other cars to take evasive action.
Police lost sight of the car on a number of occasions before spotting it heading for the border. Police were unable to stop the car and it crossed the border at Bridgend.
Later when interviewed Stokes admitted it was bad driving.
Stokes was sentenced to 5 months in prison suspended for 2 years, disqualified from driving for 30 months and fined a total of £600.