Man Accused of Car Hijacking It’s Your Life or the Car

A man allegedly hijacked a car, a court learned. He told the victim he had a gun, stating he would take the car or the victim’s life. Robert McKee was put in custody and appeared in court regarding the incident, which occurred at Craigavon Area Hospital.

Before January 25, police located McKee at the hospital, instructing him not to remove his IV. Knowing that he was HIV positive, he allegedly scooped up his blood and flicked it at the police officers.

McKee, from Donaghcloney, Co Down, faces nine charges. These include hijacking, attempted hijacking, kidnapping, and making death threats. He is also charged with assault, assaulting police, driving while banned and uninsured, and taking a car.

A detective testified about a bail application, stating police went to the hospital around 4 AM on January 25 following a dropped 999 call. Upon arrival, they spoke to McKee.

Police instructed McKee not to remove his IV because it could be dangerous without medical help. The court was told that McKee “forcibly removed” his IV, ripping it from his arm, causing the officers to step back to keep their distance.

Two hours later, someone saw a man acting strangely and stopped to check on him. The man, believed to be McKee, got in the car, allegedly telling the driver he had a gun and demanding either his life or the car. He reportedly told the victim to drive to Belfast.

Instead, the driver went to an industrial estate, thinking it was safer. When he tried to take the keys, McKee got in the driver’s seat and sped off. Shortly after, police received another report of a man resembling McKee jumping on an ambulance.

He tried to drive it away, but anti-theft technology stopped him, police stated. A court heard McKee has avoided police since then. The detective opposed bail, citing fears of more crimes and violations of conditions.

McKee’s solicitor said he was waiting for treatment at the hospital and might have needed intensive care. During police interviews, McKee claimed the IRA, staff, and police were trying to kill him.

The court was also told that McKee has serious health issues and takes many medicines. He seemed to have a mental health problem, leading police to stop questioning him. He was determined unfit to be interviewed due to delirium.

McKee’s lawyer requested bail to his father’s house; however, the judge refused to release him, citing he was a risk to the public and fearing more crimes. His lawyer then asked for a mental health assessment.

McKee was remanded in custody until February 28.