Gareth Little (39) of Drumully Road, Newtownbutler appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court last Wednesday, having been charged with drink driving, dangerous driving, three counts of criminal damage failing to stop at a damage only accident, failing to remain at a damage only accident, failing to report the accident, and threats to kill. 

Little has denied all of the charges against him except for drink driving and dangerous driving, which he pleaded guilty to. In such circumstances, where a defendant has pleaded guilty to drink driving and is awaiting sentencing on the matter, it is normal practice for them to receive an immediate interim driving disqualification. 

However, last week in the court Little’s defence solicitor John McManus asked District Judge Brian Archer not to do so in this case. Mr McManus said Little accepted the “inevitability” he would receive a driving ban, but asked for him to be given “time to deal with it.” 

Judge Archer asked what would happen if Little, who’d had a reading of 83 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breach, was involved in an accident in the mean time, causing injury to someone. 

“The public would be horrified,” said the judge. 

Judge Archer agreed not to impose the interim ban on Little, who had driven to court that day, and told the defendant to be thankful to his solicitor. Adjourning the case until the next sitting on Monday past to allow him “time to make representations,” the judge told Little not to drive to court on that occasion. 

When the case returned to the court on Monday, District Judge Nigel Broderick asked why he had not been given an interim disqualification. Mr Fahy said it was because Little it would cause him difficulty. 

Judge Broderick said he didn’t want to interfere with an order made by another judge. The case has been listed to be heard at the court on December 11.