A man has been handed a fine and penalty points for driving a vehicle with no insurance.

It is the result of police stopping a Ford Transit van on Old Junction Road in Irvinestown on August 6, 2022.

At Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday it was heard how Robert Hughes (30), with an address of Old Junction Road, Trillick was driving the van in front of police before it was pulled over and he was spoken to.

The insurance disc on the van window showed the policy had expired in March 2021.

When police asked the defendant about the insurance and conducted a notebook interview, Hughes responded: “I’ll be honest I don’t have any.”

His solicitor, Reggie Ferguson, told the court Hughes was originally from Co. Leitrim but had moved to Trillick where he was living with his partner and child.

He said Hughes’ driving licence and the van were seized following the incident. The van has since of been disposed of so the court would not be troubled on that front added Mr. Ferguson.

Mr. Ferguson said Hughes was insured on his partner’s car but she was away in it and he had the opportunity to do some casual work and took a chance with the van.

He added that Hughes admitted the offence during the interview, co-operated with police and had no previous record.

Giving Hughes credit for his early plea, co-operation and clear record, District Judge Steven Keown handed Hughes three penalty points and a £350 fine.