Laura Robinson (33) of Alderwood Park, Salloon, Ballinamallard, failed to turn up for her hearing at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, but the case against her was held in her absence after her solicitor had entered guilty pleas to driving without L plates, unaccompanied driving, driving without insurance, and carrying a child without a seatbelt on her behalf.  

At approximately 4.30pm on Friday, October 7 last officers in an unmarked police car on the Coa Road in Enniskillen were driving behind Robinson’s car when they could clearly see a young child unrestrained and moving around in the boot. 

Concerned for the child’s safety, the officers signalled for Robinson to pull over. The defendant, who told the officers the child was six-years-old, made no reply when cautioned. 

Subsequent enquiries revealed Robinson was a learner driver, and was not insured to be driving on her own. She had no L plates displayed and was not accompanied by a qualified driver. 

Deputy district Judge Phillip Mateer said, upon hearing the facts, he felt Robinson should come before the court to be spoken to “from the bench.” 

“The is no point in me lecturing you about how awful this is,” Judge Mateer told her solicitor, adjourning sentencing until next Monday, February 27.