A man who failed to stop at a police checkpoint has been convicted of driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for police, and having no insurance.

The incident happened on December 28 last on the A4, close to Maguiresbridge and Gardiners Cross Road.

A Renault Fluence, driven by Maykon Carvalho Lopes (25), of Lower Millbrook, Clones, approached the checkpoint from Enniskillen and was indicated to stop by police, who were clearly visible as the area was well illuminated.

The car initially slowed down before speeding off in the direction of Fivemiletown.

Police tried to stop the car, which reached speeds of between 90-100mph to evade police. Knowing they were not going to be able to stop the car, police called off the pursuit.

A short time later, police caught up with the car on the Lisnagole Road in Lisnaskea, and the car was stopped and Lopes detained.

Checks showed there was no valid insurance on the car.

Lopes’ solicitor, Phillip Reid, told the court his client’s policy had been cancelled due to a missed payment.

A “shockingly poor overreaction” is how Deputy District Judge, Trevor Browne, described the incident, saying somebody could have easily been seriously injured.

He handed Lopes six penalty points and fines of £500 for driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for police, and having no insurance.