Inquest begins into crash death

Mr Doherty's car hit a tree on the Culmore Road

An inquest has opened into the death of Noel Doherty, who died after his car hit a tree on Culmore Road in Londonderry on 22 January 2006.

Police were following Mr Doherty's car at the time and the police ombudsman was called in to investigate.

The 23-year-old from Drumleck Drive, Shantallow was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital after the crash but died a short time later.

The cause of death was given as a blow to the head.

At the inquest forensic expert Dr Damien Coll told the court, that after examining the scene, he believed Mr Doherty's car and the police vehicle were both travelling at estimated speeds of over 50 mph.

He also said, that, using photographs taken at the scene, he believed Mr Doherty had steered right while going left at the bend and the car had spun before hitting a tree on the opposite side of the round.

The court was also told Mr Doherty didn't appear to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Dr Coll also said he found no evidence of any contact between Mr Doherty's Renault Megane and the police car.

The coroner is expected to hear further evidence from witnesses and the PSNI as the inquest continues.