A 23-year-old man has appeared in court facing charges of dangerous driving and drug supply offences after a crash in Lisburn. Jude Walsh, of Cloona Manor, Dunmurry, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court in connection with an incident on July 4, 2023.

Police were travelling on the Barnfield Road at around 9.45pm when they observed a grey Volkswagen Golf coming around a bend at speed in the same lane. The driver swerved to avoid a collision, struck a roadside barrier, and the vehicle ended up on its roof in a field.

Walsh told officers he was in shock and could not recall what happened.

Months later, on November 14, 2023, police searched his home and uncovered drug-related evidence. Officers found a bag containing 13 smaller deal bags, each holding 4.11 grams of cocaine at 6 per cent purity. The total weight of the drug was 52.23 grams.

A mobile phone was also seized. Examination of the device revealed messages indicating Walsh had sought to purchase drugs and was also involved in selling them to another person.

He faced charges of dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A defence lawyer said Walsh had a relevant record but had been given a previous chance and appeared to have taken it, with no further offending. The lawyer noted the incidents were not recent.

District Judge Rosie Watters remarked that Walsh’s driving record was shocking and the charges were very serious, adding that a prison sentence would be warranted. She decided to defer sentencing for six months, warning him that any further offending would result in imprisonment.

The case was adjourned until January 8, 2027.