Enniskillen Court House
AN ENNISKILLEN teenager has been fined after stopping an off-duty police officer’s car and asking him for a lift home when he was drunk.
Brandon Gillen (18) of Willowvale in the town appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour.
On November 4 last, at approximately 5.45pm, an off duty police officer was driving from Irvinestown towards Enniskillen when he noticed three men on the road.
The defendant approached the officer’s car, causing him to stop, and leaned against the door. Gillen, who was drunk, asked the off-duty officer for a lift home, which he refused. When he drove off, the officer heard a loud bang on his car, and believed Gillen had hit it. The defendant then ran away towards another passing car.
The off-duty officer then apprehended Gillen, who struggled and was using bad language, until other officers could arrive.
Defence solicitor Tommy Owens said unfortunately Gillen was intoxicated and couldn’t remember the incident. He added the defendant had an addiction problem, which he was taking steps to address.
“He’s trying to get back on the straight and narrow,” said Mr Owens.
Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare said it was clear from Gillen’s record that his offending was a relatively recent occurrence.
He said Gillen was “obviously someone who can’t handle their drink and would do well to know your limits.” Judge O’Hare fined Gillen £50.
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