Man bailed after police injured

The vehicle was stopped at a police checkpoint

A west Belfast man has been released on bail after appearing in court in connection with an incident where two policemen were dragged along the road by a speeding car in County Down.

The incident happened in Newcastle after a vehicle with four people on board was stopped at a checkpoint at the Shimna Road, just before 0100 BST on Sunday.

They asked the driver to step out of the car, but he subsequently ran back to the vehicle and sped off, dragging the two police officers with him.

One policeman was thrown clear almost immediately. He sustained leg injuries but was discharged from hospital following treatment.

The second officer was dragged along the road for about 200 yards. He sustained extensive head and facial injuries.

The car was later brought to a halt in Drumaness, County Down, by officers who deployed a stinger device.

Jonathan McQuillan from Mica Drive in the Beechmount area was charged on Monday with dangerous driving; causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving; resisting police in the execution of their duty; driving while disqualified; driving without insurance; failing to stop; and failing to provide a specimen.

Newcastle Magistrates' Court, sitting in Downpatrick, heard that the officer's injuries were less serious than initially believed, and that he had since been discharged from hospital.

The court heard Mr McQuillan expressed remorse for the injuries caused to the officer.

Mr McQuillan was released on bail, on condition that he did not consume any alcohol, observed a curfew, and reported to a local police station twice a week.