A Tyrone man has been charged with a spate of serious motoring offences in which a number of vehicles were rammed, including one with a child passenger which was forced off the road.
It further transpired he received a suspended prison sentence and disqualification for motoring offences just seven weeks ago.
Kurdt Hamilton (29) from Drumlegagh Church Road, Newtownstewart is charged with dangerous driving while disqualified and unfit, no insurance and failing to provide a breath specimen.
There are two counts each of failing to stop and remain at the scene of accidents and failing to report these to police.
Finally, Hamilton allegedly assaulted two police officers, resisted arrest and damaged a PSNI vehicle.
A police officer told Enniskillen Magistrates’ court all charges could be connected.
He explained shortly before 10pm on September 4 police received a 999 call reporting a possible drunk-driver at Melmount Road, Victoria Bridge.
He was observed colliding with another vehicle but drove on before pulling in with a front tyre blown out.
Hamilton initially got out and approached the witness stating, “I’m in a lot of trouble” before attempting to remove his registration plate.
He tried to restart the car, which failed and on hearing emergency sirens fled behind a house.
On police arrival Hamilton launched a foul-mouthed rant shouting, “Useless b*****ds. It takes three of you to detain one man. You are f***ing white policemen. F***ing useless racist c**t.”
He kicked an officer’s leg and shouted, “What are you going to do you f**ing specky ginger p***k. Ginger b*****d.”
After arrest and caution he replied, “F**k off yourself” as well as mumbling the word “republican”.
Throughout the journey to custody Hamilton remained aggressive and repeatedly spat inside the PSNI vehicle which required to be deep cleaned.
The incident was captured on the witness’s dashcam who had been traveling along the A5 when he was overtaken at speed by Hamilton, before colliding with a jeep twice.
A separate report was then received from a female who was traveling with her child onboard when her vehicle was rammed from the rear, forcing her off the road.
The offending vehicle did not stop and the incident was also captured on her dashcam.
An hour later another report came from a male whose car was rear-ended by Hamilton’s vehicle, who made no attempt to stop.
A fourth report was received the following day by a male who encountered Hamilton driving toward Strabane.
This is believed to be the first of the series of incidents and involved Hamilton overtaking the witness then “slam on the brakes” forcing him to take evasive action.
Having continued his journey and nearing Sion Mills, the witness realised a vehicle had approached very suddenly from behind.
He believed Hamilton was going to ram his car and warned his wife and three small children who were on onboard to brace themselves.
However it instead overtook and made off.
During interview Hamilton admitted being disqualified but had no recollection of driving stating he was “very confused and angry” by the incident.
Objecting to bail the officer pointed to Hamilton’s recent disqualified and suspended sentence as well as being on Probation for assaults.
“Police are very concerned as it would be the public who would bear the brunt of the serious risk posed if released,” said the officer. “
A defence barrister conceded the seriousness of the case but added Hamilton, “Attributes his erratic behaviour to the breakdown of his relationship which occurred the same day. He has found that extremely difficult to handle.”
District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail stating, “I cannot get past that this occurred seven weeks after the imposition of a suspended sentence disqualification.”
Hamilton will appear again by video-link at Strabane Magistrates Court on October 1.
