Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard this week that police were travelling along Wellington Road at 10.45am on January 19th when they observed a Citreon Saxo being driven by Conor Logan. They followed the vehicle which was travelling in the direction of Coa Road and observed it driving through a red light and roadworks before accelerating at speeds of up to 80mph in the 40mph area. 

Officers pursued the vehicle which proceeded to drive the wrong way around a roundabout and into the path of other vehicles while also negotiating a number of blind corners at speed where there was no chance of him seeing oncoming vehicles.

Due to the dangerous nature of the driving, police stopped following the vehicle but it was later observed outside the Spar shop at Cornagrade Road before taking off at speed with tyres screeching and wheels spinning. 

Logan later abandoned the car and a search of his home on the Tempo Road in Enniskillen by police led to the discovery of cannabis and diazepam. During the search police saw the defendant who then fled the scene on foot. When later apprehended by officers, he denied being the driver and owner of the car or a smoker of cannabis.

Logan of Drumbeg in Enniskillen was charged with dangerous driving, no insurance, no MOT, breach of a traffic sign, failing to stop for police, possession of controlled drugs, driving while disqualified, excess speed and careless driving. He appeared before Monday’s hearing for sentencing.

Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy told the court: “My client is under no illusions about how serious these matters are and how very lucky it was that no other road users suffered any serious harm.”

Referring to an “extremely positive” pre-sentence report, Mr Roddy said his client had long-standing addiction issues but vowed not to return to his old habits.

“At the time of these offences he lived alone and led a very isolated lifestyle but he is now back with his family. He is resolutely intent on leaving his offending ways behind him,” Mr Roddy added.

District Judge Nigel Broderick told Logan: “You are a relatively young man and given your record there is every reason why I should send you to prison. The pre-sentence report indicates a high likelihood of re-offending but there is more to be served by you doing community service rather than being in custody. If you breach this order there will be no second chances.”

The judge sentence Logan to 100 hours of community service and imposed a 12 month probation period. Logan was also disqualified from driving for three years until retested and ordered to engage in alcohol and drug counselling.