Keith Black (39) of Market Court, Chanterhill in Enniskillen was charged with fraud by false representation on July 21st which caused loss to Stewart’s Butchers, Enniskillen. 

Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday that a cheque for £172.17 was paid by the defendant to pay for goods at the business. Police were later called to the butchers after the cheque was returned and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

 When questioned, Black admitted writing the cheque for payment on the date in question to pay for the goods but denied knowing that there were insufficient funds available to pay. The court heard that Black had used his business account to pay for the items and had put money in the account in January of that year. 

Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy said his client had received letters from his bank in relation to the matter but had found himself in “a woeful financial situation” at the time and “shut his eyes” to them. He added that Black had since made full restitution. 

Sentencing Black, District Judge Nigel Broderick noted that this was not the first time Black had appeared in court, having engaged in this behaviour previously in 2009. The judge said he was not minded to impose a prison sentence on this occasion. Instead he sentenced Black to 60 community service along with a 12 month probation order.