Belfast man jailed for ramming police car in early morning incident

A 49-year old Belfast man was jailed for eight months today (Tuesday) for ramming a police vehicle during an early morning incident. Thomas Gerard Bernard Corrigan, from Distillery Street, will spend an additional eight months on licence when he is released from prison. He appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he was sentenced for four motoring offences by Judge Mark McGarrity.

At around 2.15am on March 7, 2021 police observed an Audi A3 being driven in the Falls area[1] with three men in the vehicle. Checks were carried out which indicated the only people insured to drive the Audi were two females. The Audi was stopped and as officers got out of their vehicle to speak to the driver, it was driven at speed towards the police car which resulted in a collision causing damage to both vehicles.

The Audi then fled the scene and the vehicle was found abandoned on a nearby street. Corrigan was arrested on suspicion of being the driver and during interview, he gave a largely ‘no comment’ response. He was charged with, and initially denied dangerous driving, no insurance, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to remain at the scene.

Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp

Click this link[2] or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice[3].

Corrigan subsequently pleaded guilty to all four offences. Defence barrister Michael Boyd acknowledged his client has a “pretty poor criminal record[4]” but said now that he is a grandfather Corrigan is now “growing up and wising up” and wants to “stay away from criminality.” Regarding the offence, Mr Boyd revealed Corrigan was in house with others when a row broke out he and “he was asked to take then down the road and out of the way.”

Mr Boyd added that Corrigan didn’t realise it was the police approaching the Audi and that when felt he was being boxed in he panicked. During today’s sentencing, Judge McGarrity branded Corrigan’s criminal record as “relevant and significant” and one which included 25 previous motoring offences. Also noted by Judge McGarrity was the “relatively brief” period Corrigan’s driving was dangerous.

As well as imposing the 16-month sentence, the Judge also banned Corrigan from driving for three years.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here[5] and sign up to our daily newsletter[6].

References

1. ^ Falls area (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
3. ^ Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)
4. ^ poor criminal record (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
5. ^ here (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
6. ^ sign up to our daily newsletter (www.belfastlive.co.uk)