Belfast man jailed for theft and motoring offences

Mark McClure, 29, from Mount Merrion Avenue, admitted a total of 11 offences arising from two separate incidents in 2014.

Crown prosecutor Peter Magill told Belfast Crown Court the first set of offences occurred on July 6, 2014.

Two men in a blue Proton car stole beer from shops in Dundonald and the Ormeau Road, and drove off from a garage in Holywood without paying for £50 worth of petrol.

Police tracked down the Proton, driven by McClure. He initially failed to stop for police, and at one stage reversed the car at speed straight at one of the officers on a motorbike, while he also caused damage to another car.

McClure was deemed to be driving while unfit and refused to provide a specimen of breath. He later confessed that he was under the influence of both drink and drugs.

On November 9, 2014, McClure was caught behind the wheel of a car in Holywood and admitted driving while disqualified and with no insurance.