Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tell of hit and run smash terror
Car struck by driver in wrong lane
A HIT-AND-RUN driver smashed into a family car as children aged just two and three sat in the back, it has emerged.
It was claimed the collision happened as the vehicle travelled on the wrong side of the road with its full beams on.
Passenger Laura Johnston said the front and rear doors as well as a front bumper on her family’s Seat Leon were smashed in the accident.
She was in the car with her partner Gary Wylie and their two daughters when the vehicle, believed to be a jeep or van, struck them on Saturday at around 7.20pm.
The terrifying smash happened on the Gardiners Cross Road as the family drove towards Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh.
They recently bought a home in nearby Tempo.
Laura added: “It’s just scary to think what might have happened. The two girls were in the back so one of their doors was just wrecked.
“We’d pulled in to one side as much as we could but they still hit us. We were able to see they slowed down after they hit us but then just sped off leaving us there.
"It was a good straight bit of road, not some wee side road, so they’d plenty of time to avoid us. It’s not like they just came out of nowhere.
“I think they must have been drunk or something but we’ve been left with our car wrecked and wondering what will happen with the insurance and excess and that.
“Thankfully, the two girls are OK and they’re young enough, I don’t think they fully realised what happened.”
Laura spoke after the police issued an appeal for the driver of the vehicle to come forward.
The PSNI said the Seat “sustained significant damage” and the vehicle which struck it “would have sustained some front end damage”.
Police are asking witnesses to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.
CO FERMANAGH YESTERDAY
A DRUNKEN cyclist collided with a police car after leaving a pub where he caused more than £5,000 worth of damage, a court heard yesterday.
Prosecutors said Steven Gaw had thrown stools about the premises in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, striking a barmaid.
The 33-year-old, from Cypress Place in the town, was ordered to complete 18 months’ probation for an outburst he claims to have no recollection.
Belfast Magistrates Court heard Gaw was riding a bicycle which struck the police vehicle at Albert Road in Carrickfergus on July 2. He appeared to be intoxicated and was slurring his speech.
He was convicted of disorderly behaviour, criminal damage to stools and stock belonging to Jacq’s Bar, common assault and cycling when unfit through drink or drugs. Imposing probation, Judge Fiona Bagnall further ordered Gaw to pay £500 compensation.