A Co Armagh man accused of ramming a police car following a late-night pursuit on Monday has been granted bail – but banned from entering any private vehicle.
Michael Downey, 35, of Clonlum Road, Killeavy, appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court – sitting in Newry – charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop for police, having no insurance, and possession of a Class B controlled drug.
The public prosecutor told the court that on Monday night (May 18), at approximately 10.45pm, a blue BMW was travelling down Mountain Road in south Armagh.
The BMW had been flagged on police systems, as it had previously failed to stop for officers.
Several police crews were pursuing the vehicle before officers deployed a stinger. Despite the tyres being blown out, the BMW continued driving around a corner before “deliberately driving into the offside of another police vehicle, which resulted in it sustaining significant damage”.
The court heard that Downey then fled from the vehicle, “jumping over a gate and into a field”, and was found— with the help of a dog handler—hiding in a bush.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a bag of Class B drugs.
Downey gave “no comment” responses to questions during interview. In objecting to bail, an officer told the court that “police believe that there is a grave danger of the risk of further offences being committed” and that Downey presents “a real danger to road users”.
He highlighted 21 convictions, 17 of which were for road traffic offences.
When asked by the judge if the vehicle was his, Downey said he was “not aware of who owns the vehicle”.
District Judge Anne Marshall released Downey on his own bail of £250 and ordered him not to be in any motor vehicle – “and I think that is proportionate”.
She remarked: “He would not have access to a car at all if he was in Maghaberry, which is the other option that he’s very, very close to going to.”
Addressing defence barrister Kevin O’Hare, the judge added: “He doesn’t seem entirely happy with that condition; I can remand him in custody if that makes it easier for him?”
Downey, from the dock, replied: “No, I am very happy with that.”
He was also ordered to obey a curfew of 10pm to 7am.
The case was re-listed for May 28.
