A DERRYLIN man who contested double charges of driving while disqualified and having no insurance has been convicted at Dungannon Magistrates Court.
Keith Henry John Crawford (42) from Kinmeen Road, denied the offences which occurred on January 19 and 23 2018.
Both offences were committed at Moy Road, Dungannon.
The court heard Crawford attended a car dealership at the beginning of January 2018, to view a Range Rover. The manager of the premises recalled dealing directly with him and a price of £37,000 was settled upon.
It was agreed Crawford would pay for and pick up the vehicle the following week, but the day in question wore on without him appearing.
Because a considerable amount of money was being spent the manager remained on the premises for some time afterward but Crawford did not attend.
However on 19 January 2018, he did appear and paid in full using a debit card.
The manager recalled Crawford telling him the vehicle was to be invoiced in his father’s name, as he was also insuring it.
This was done and the manager confirmed no other person was present at any time with Crawford, who drove the vehicle from the showroom in the direction of Moy.
Four days later he ordered some accessories and attended on 23 January 2018 to collect them.
The manager recalled Crawford being very pleased and polite. He appeared to be in a rush, and drove off.
Again, no others were noted to be with him.
It was only when police attended the car dealership a few weeks later seeking a statement that the manager discovered Crawford was a disqualified driver.
He disputed this in court, contending he never drove the Range Rover at any time, and his parents had driven him to and from the dealership on both occasions, waiting for him outside while he dealt with the manager.
His evidence was rejected by District Judge John Meehan who convicted on all counts and ordered pre-sentence reports.
Crawford, who was noted to have previous relevant convictions, was remanded on bail to attend for sentencing later this month.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
