Defence barrister Heather Philips said this was an unusual case as the defendant had previously “lived 80 years on this planet without incident”,
AN 81-YEAR-OLD Enniskillen man stole chicken fillets from Asda and then knocked down a member of staff with his car while fleeing the store.
In another incident the driver almost collided with a police vehicle, before failing an alcohol breath test.
Former bus driver Kevin McCauley, of Scaffog Avenue was convicted at Enniskillen Magistrates Court and disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months. He was also fined a total of £702.83.
The prosecutor outlined that on September 19, 2014 at 3pm police received a report from staff at Asda, Enniskillen that a man had stolen chicken fillets worth £2.83 and made off in a Nissan Micra. Staff told police McCauley had taken a packet of chicken fillets and put it in his trouser pocket and left the store.
Two staff challenged the defendant when he left the store, but he refused to return and got into his vehicle.
Whilst reversing he knocked down a member of staff injuring them and drove away from the scene. Police went to McCauley’s address and arrested him for the offences.
In another incident on March 17, 2015 police were on patrol in the Sligo Road outside Enniskillen when they approached the entrance to the carpark of the Silver Swallow pub and had to apply the brakes to avoid collision with a Nissan Micra.
They followed the car and noted the vehicle crossing the white lines and the car indicating without any indication of turning. Police continued to follow and indicated for the vehicle to stop by putting on the blue lights and sirens, but McCauley drove on. Police then pulled in front of the car and finally stopped the vehicle beside the Waterways Ireland building.
A preliminary breath test was failed with a lower evidential reading of 54mg obtained, 19mg over the legal limit.
Defence barrister Heather Philips said this was an unusual case as the defendant had previously “lived 80 years on this planet without incident”, raised three children and maintained a lifetime of employment.
The defence explained that isolation and social issues were factors in the offending.
District judge Nigel Broderick said: “You’re 81 years of age you shouldn’t be appearing in court at your stage of life.”
McCauley responded: “I agree, no one regrets it more than I do.”
He added: “I assure you, you won’t see me again.”
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