A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody following the hijacking of a Translink Goldliner bus in County Tyrone.

Daniel James Diver, of Evish Square, Strabane, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday charged with offences including kidnapping, hijacking, and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury.

The court heard that on Saturday, Diver was a passenger on the Omagh to Derry bus when he produced a large knife and told the driver he wanted to take over driving. The driver pulled over and passengers were allowed to leave, but the driver was kept on board to assist in starting the bus.

After taking the wheel, Diver drove the bus at speeds over 60mph, striking a police vehicle and several other cars. One car was forced into a ditch. The bus also hit a road sign, a fence, and a wall near a play park in Strabane, where it became stuck and Diver was arrested.

A police officer told the court that Diver made full admissions during interview, accepting his driving was dangerous and that he had struck vehicles. He said he had intended to drive to Derry/Londonderry to show off to his younger brother.

Diver is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife, and possession of a class C drug, pregabalin tablets.

No application for bail was made. Defence counsel said Diver apologised to all involved, particularly the bus driver. District Judge Alana McSorley ordered a psychiatric assessment and remanded Diver in custody to appear again via video link at Strabane Magistrates Court on October 8.