Derry man jailed after driving stolen car at police officers

A 25 year old Derry man who drove a stolen car at speed at two police officers forcing them to dive out of the way fearing for their lives has been jailed at the local Crown Court.
Caoimhin Gallagher whose address was given as c/o Maghabaerry Prison admitted a series of charges relating to incidents between January 24 2016 and February 5 the same year.
The court was told that on January 24 2015 Gallagher was stopped at Bridgend by the Gardai in a car stolen in Cookstown.
Gallagher also admitted stealing a Post Office card from a man in Derry and using it to obtain cash as well as the theft of a Foyleside Shopping voucher.
The court was told that a Skoda car was taken from a property in Derry and at 11.40 a.m. police were alerted to a Skoda being driven erratically in the Eglinton area.
A police patrol saw the vehicle entering a roundabout at speed and recognised Gallagher as being the driver.
The Skoda then crashed into another car with a man and his daughter in it.
Following his arrest a blood sample revealed Gallagher had cannabis, diazepam and another drug in his system.
Judge Philip Babington said that Gallagher had 48 previous convictions and was in breach of his licence conditions when this offending took place.
He sentenced Gallagher to a total of three years and nine months half of which will be served in custody.