A man who breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and who had driven dangerously was found, by a police dog, hiding in undergrowth in Tandragee.
Thomas Macauley (24), with an address listed as Edward Street in Portadown, committed offences in August and September last year.
He appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison on Friday and admitted charges of breaching a SOPO by failing to notify of a relationship; having a device which could access the internet; and using Cloud storage.
He also admitted being concerned in the supply of Ecstasy and cannabis; and possession of cannabis, mirtazapine and pregabalin.
He further admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
The court was told that on September 13 last year a vehicle failed to stop for police and a pursuit ensued. Other vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid collisions.
The defendant ran from the vehicle in Tandragee and a police dog found him hiding in undergrowth.
A defence lawyer said the defendant had been in custody since September because when arrested his prison release licence was revoked.
He said thankfully no accidents were caused during the police pursuit of Macauley.
Regarding the breaches of the SOPO he said there was “no evidence or suggestion of any ulterior offending”.
The lawyer said the drugs offences involved “nothing more than a couple of messages”.
He said Macauley has “struggled with drug addiction”.
The defendant was given a five months prison term; was banned from driving for a year; and was fined £200.
