William Smyth (24) of Marnaharn, Rockcorry appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, having no insurance, having no licence, failing to stop for police, and failing to provide a specimen. 

At around 6.30am on March 24 police were driving on the Irvinestown Road in the direction of Enniskillen. 

As they came around a corner they encountered a black SsangYong Bexton jeep overtaking at speed and travelling on the wrong side of the road. The officers had to brake sharply to avoid a collision. 

The police turned their car and followed the jeep, being driven by Smyth, which turned off towards Kesh at the Trory roundabout. 

Smyth then turned into Jubilee Hill. When the officers caught up they found the jeep abandoned with the keys in its ignition. 

The officers noticed foot steps in the grass, they followed them and found Smyth hiding in a gorse bush. 

When arrested, Smyth became agitated and began banging his head off the car. 

At the station, he refused to provide a specimen of breath to be tested for alcohol. 

The following day he gave a ‘no comment’ police interview. 

Defence solicitor Gary Black said Smyth was a young man with his troubles, stating he’d been struggling with alcohol for a few years. 

He said he had been attending meetings in Monaghan, and had lapsed with the meetings around the time of the offence. 

Smyth is now attending the meetings again. 

Mr Black said Symth’s ex-partner and mother of his child lived in Ballinamallard and they were on good terms. 

He said on the morning in question he was on his way to speak with her and turning to her for support. 

District Judge Mark McGarrity fined Smyth a total of £700 and disqualified him from driving for 18 months.