In the first incident on February 21st last, police were on patrol on the Irvinestown Road in Enniskillen when they observed a vehicle acting suspiciously in the area around the cemetery. Police approached the car containing Mark Sheridan and a number of others and on speaking to the occupants, they detected a smell of drugs. 

A search of the vehicle uncovered a bag containing three wraps of cannabis under the driver’s footwell. Sheridan initially denied ownership in the first instance but confessed in a second interview after a forensic examination uncovered his fingerprints on the wraps. The cannabis was valued at £44 and Sheridan of Ann Street in Enniskillen was charged with drug possession.  

On December 10th, police were on patrol in Enniskillen when they observed a red Honda Civic on the Derrylin Road. They followed the car which accelerated sharply and stopped on the Sligo Road. The officers found Sheridan driving the car and following enquiries it was discovered that he had been disqualified from driving for two years the previous July. When interviewed later by police, Sheridan made full admissions and was charged with driving while disqualified and without insurance. 

The court was told that police were called to Lakeside Medical Practice in Enniskillen on December 23rd after Sheridan attended a doctor’s appointment. He had requested extra medication after telling the doctor that he was going on holiday for two weeks. 

A call was made to Sheridan’s mother who confirmed that he had no such travel plans in place. When told that he would not be getting the requested medication, Sheridan stood up and flung open the door of the consultation room, knocking the doctor’s name plate off as he slammed it and damaging the hinge. 

In the reception area, Sheridan lifted a porcelain bowl off the counter and smashed it on the floor while also knocking patient questionnaire forms off the wall and saying “I’m f***ing leaving”. 

When questioned by police later about the damage, which amounted to £100, he gave a no comment interview and was charged with criminal damage and disorderly behaviour.            

The judge said it was “quite depressing” to see man not yet 21 years of age with 73 previous convictions behind him.

“He has been given quite a few chances in the past and unfortunately those have proved unsuccessful or not had the desired effect,” he added. 

A six month sentence was imposed along with a two year driving disqualification with leave to appeal.