A man who drove dangerously and then proceeded to steal a lorry has been told he’ll go to prison if he’s before the court again.
Damien Harper, 44, with an address at 15 Hill View Park, Castlederg appeared in court charged with two counts of dangerous driving and the unlawful theft of a mechanically powered vehicle.
Mr Harper appeared in court in relation to an incident which occurred on the 6th of September, 2013 where his erratic and extremely dangerous driving was reported to Gardaí.
Garda Sinead McLaughlin read to the court – the eye witness account that was reported to Gardaí.
Garda McLaughlin said, “He was zig-zagging all over the road and was driving far too fast and dangerously.
“He didn’t have any regard for other road users – and didn’t care about the excess speed he was travelling at.
“There were road works on one part of the road he was travelling on – and as he drove off he dragged traffic cones with him.
“He was driving a lorry – and flew past a school with absolutely no regard for anybody’s safety – he wasn’t going to stop for anybody.
The court heard how the reports of dangerous driving occurred at Drumdoit, Castlefin, Doneyloop, Castlefin and the theft of the lorry occurred at The Diamond, Castlefin.
The lorry was owned by Mr Tommy Culloo.
The court also heard how he had previous driving convictions and was disqualified for three months for drink-driving in 2002.
Solicitor for the defendant Kieran O’Gorman told the court, “My client is 44 years of age, and at the time of this incident had issues with alcohol.
“He has since addressed these issues and got himself the help he required.
“He is now employed outside of the country, and is working in Aberdeen, Scotland.
“I appeal to the court that a probation report may be sufficient for Mr Harper.”
Judge James Faughnan fined Mr Harper €500 for dangerous driving and disqualified him for two years.
He took into consideration the fact that the defendant was turning his life around and had found employment in Scotland – and fined him €350 for unlawful theft of the vehicle.