Theft accused 'drove at police'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8177127.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A man tried to kill a police officer by driving a stolen car at him in west Belfast, the High Court has been told.

Aiden Magennis, 21, is accused of attempted murder linked to a creeper burglary in the Beechmount area in May.

Mr Magennis, of Ross Street, faces further charges of assault, handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, resisting police and motoring offences.

He denies assault and being the driver of the stolen car. Bail was refused in the case.

Prosecution said the alleged offences were connected to the theft of a Honda Civic in May.

Two nights later the car was spotted in Twinbrook on the outskirts of the city, with four people on board, and driving at up to 70mph, the lawyer claimed.

With police signals to stop ignored, a constable set up a stinger device in a bid to bring the Honda to a halt, but it was driven straight at the officer, forcing him to jump out of the way.

It eventually stopped on the Stewartstown Road, and Mr Magennis was arrested following a violent struggle, according to the prosecution.

His barrister said the case hinged on identification, with the accused claiming others got out of the front of the car and that forensic tests would "put paid" to suggestions his client was the driver.