Christopher McCusker of Drummackan Road in Tempo was charged with failing to wear a seat belt, driving without insurance and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle on May 21st. 

 

Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard that at 3.30pm on the date in question, police observed the defendant driving a grey Peugeot 308 without wearing a seatbelt. McCusker was identified as the driver and pulled over by police.

 

A fixed penalty notice was issued and McCusker was asked to produce his insurance when it was discovered that he was not a named driver on his father’s policy. 

 

When McCusker’s father was later interviewed by police, it emerged that the defendant had taken the car without permission. 

 

Defence solicitor Reggie Ferguson said his client previously had an insured car but had then sold it when he went to work in New Zealand. Mr Ferguson said that on his return home McCusker genuinely believed that he was covered to drive his father’s car. 

 

“A family assumption was made but my client was never specifically told that he wasn’t covered. My client is an industrious young man who has learned a severe lesson,” he added.

 

District Judge Nigel Broderick imposed a £300 fine on the no insurance charge and £75 for failing to wear a seat belt. For unlawfully taking his father’s car, McCusker was given a conditional discharge for one year. A total of ten penalty points were also endorsed on his licence.