A MAN who was on his way to his girlfriend's house before being stopped by police has been convicted of using a vehicle without insurance.

On December 30 last, Michael McKenna (20), with an address of Drumcullion Road, Drumierna, Ederney, was stopped by police at around 9.50pm on the Killyreagh Road, Tamlaght.

He was driving a Volkswagen Jetta in the direction of Tamlaght and due to the curfew imposed under Covid-19 restrictions, officers signalled for him to stop.

Officers spoke to the driver, who was identified as McKenna, who told them where he was headed.

Checks showed there was no insurance for the 20-year-old and he was cautioned.

Tommy Owens, representing McKenna, told the court that his client had been paying a monthly premium of £130 but due to a banking problem, one payment did not go through, which led to the policy being cancelled.

He said McKenna was now paying the insurance through his father's account, and also asked the court to treat the 20-year-old as leniently as possible.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare took into account McKenna's early plea, but said that it was his responsibility to make sure that his payments were being made.

McKenna received six penalty points and a £250 fine.