The High Court heard today that the banned driver jumped from a moving truck during a police chase in Belfast.
Prosecutors said 24-year-old Richard Jones nearly crashed into his car while trying to escape after dangerous, fast-moving traffic in the north and west of the city.
The judge was told that the PSNI helicopter determined it was apparently trying to hide in a fence earlier this month.
Jones, of Ardenne Road in Belfast, is charged with unsafe driving, unqualified driving, stopping by police and failure to stay at the scene of an accident that caused damages in connection with the March 11 incident.
He was allegedly spotted by police on Glastonbury Avenue at the wheel of a Ford Transit which followed him down several streets.
Crown attorney Sarah Minford said the driver ignored signals that he had stopped in the Old Park Road area, collided with another vehicle and narrowly avoided oncoming traffic.
The truck continued to Crumlin Road and Agnes Street, heading on the wrong side of the road until the red light crossed Shankill Road.
The court heard that the police had halted the pursuit due to concerns of other road users, but the helicopter deployed during the operation was at Ford Transit on Craven Street.
Minford said Jones was seen escaping from an abandoned truck and was arrested after trying to hide in nearby pastures.
“I’ve kept my nose clean for 14 months,” he replied upon arrest, “but I have one.”
Opposing the bail request, the attorney said the video clip from the camera showed an escape attempt.
“He got off the car while it was moving, ran between the block and the parked car and barely left it, and crashed into the truck itself,” he said.
Judge Colton was told that the truck continued onto a car parked on the site of a children’s playground and boxing club.
Attorney Barry Gibson argued that his client should be released to help care for the children.
In granting bail to Jones, the judge cited his personal circumstances as part of his “borderline” decision.
Established a curfew, electronic surveillance, and Order 2000 2000 a cash guarantee.
Source: Belfastlive
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