A motorist who crashed into a public toilet block in Desertmartin after driving at speeds over 120mph has been sentenced to a community service order.

Drew Derby, 22, of Rockbrook Road, Magherafelt, appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on charges of dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He received a 180-hour Community Service Order, a £250 fine for possession of the Class B drug methylmethcathinone, and a £15 offender's levy.

The court heard that on August 29, 2025, just before midnight, police observed Derby's car exceeding 30mph in Moneymore and taking a corner on the wrong side of the road in front of a police vehicle. He then accelerated aggressively towards Desertmartin, reaching speeds in excess of 120mph.

As he approached Desertmartin village, which has a 30mph speed limit, police deactivated their lights. They later found Derby's car crashed into a wall at the public toilets. A passenger was trying to get out of the passenger door, while Derby had left the car and was apprehended nearby.

Derby passed a preliminary breath test, but a search of his car located a small bag of methylmethcathinone. He sustained an injury in the crash and was taken to Antrim Hospital. A blood test showed traces of the drug. Mid Ulster District Council estimated the cost of repairing the wall at £3,850, and Derby was ordered to pay £1,750 in compensation. A destruction order was made for the drug.

District Judge Conor Heaney told Derby that the community service order was a direct alternative to a custodial sentence. He noted that Derby contested the case and would receive no credit, but that a probation report showed victim awareness and a low likelihood of reoffending.

Defence counsel said Derby is remorseful for his actions and in full-time employment.