Attempted murder accused appears in court

An alleged ram raider who was arrested after six police officers were injured in Newry, Co Down, has appeared in court today charged with attempted murder.

Thomas Patrick McDonagh, of Ardcarne Park, Newry, stands accused of attempting to murder a police officer and committing three burglaries in the Newry area in the early hours of Monday morning.

As each of the charges was put to him, the accused replied: "I am an alcoholic." He was remanded in custody until December 18.

Mr McDonagh was shot in the arm after six officers were injured trying to bring his car to a halt. This incident occurred shortly after three businesses in Newry where targeted by a suspected ram raider.

At around 2.30am, police attempted to stop the car at Watson's Road. It reversed away and crashed into a wall before driving toward one of the officers, pinning him against a wall.

The officer fired a number of shots and the vehicle drove off toward Martin's Lane where it rammed another police vehicle before stopping. The driver was arrested and it was found that he had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.

The Police Ombudsman's office has been informed of the incident.

(GMcG)