Man bailed after police car rammed in Londonderry

The man appeared at Bishop Street courthouse on Tuesday

A man has appeared in court charged with a series of offences after a police car was rammed in Londonderry at the weekend.

Ryan McLaughlin, 28, from Bligh's Gardens in Derry, appeared at the city’s magistrates' court on Tuesday on 12 charges, including dangerous driving and driving while unfit.

He is also charged with having cocaine and an offensive weapon, namely a machete, and failing to stop for police.

The charges relate to an incident in the Galliagh area of the city on Sunday.

Opposing bail, a police officer told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

The witness said police had been on patrol in the Beraghvale area of the city and observed a car speeding towards them before making off.

Around 30 minutes later the same vehicle was observed in Ederowen Park and, as officers approached the vehicle, the defendant tried to conceal his face before driving off.

A police car on Racecourse Road was later rammed by the vehicle.

Shortly afterwards, it was found abandoned and the defendant was said to have fled towards Cornshell Fields.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a large machete and suspected cocaine.

During his arrest, the accused was said to have obstructed and resisted police.

A defence solicitor told the court Mr McLaughlin denied all the charges.

The solicitor said the registered keeper of the vehicle was another person known to the court.

Granting bail, District Judge Barney McElholm prohibited the accused from using alcohol and non-prescription drugs.

He must also adhere to a curfew, wear an electronic tag and is not allowed to travel in any private vehicle.

He is due to appear in court again on 5 September.