Court told of 50mph car chase

Richard Jones is accused of going through residential streets and over speed bumps at up to 50mph.

The 23-year-old, of Ardoyne Road in the city, was arrested after the vehicle came to a halt around midday on Wednesday.

He faces 10 charges, including driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, and two counts each of failing to stop, report or remain at the scene of an accident causing damage.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was allegedly spotted behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa emerging onto Tennent Street.

“A pursuit ensued where the vehicle was driven dangerous at speeds of up to 50mph, driving on the wrong side of the road, over speed bumps and through residential streets,” a constable claimed.

District Judge Mark Hamill was told the Corsa struck the rear of the police car before heading into Danube Street where it collided with another parked vehicle.

Opposing bail, police said he is currently being investigated for other suspected motoring offences.

Defence solicitor Eoghan McKenna accepted Jones should not be driving, but his work as a mechanic had “caused some temptation”.

Mr McKenna went on: “He can have that job without the necessity to be anywhere near the interior of vehicles, not even to drive on private property.”

Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of further offences.

Remanding Jones in custody for four weeks, Mr Hamill said: “This is a man who is a danger to the public, on the face of it