A Lisnaskea farmer failed to report a car accident because he was attending to a "calving cow", a court has heard. 

Andrew James Downey (55) of Drumhaw Avenue, Lisnaskea, was sentenced at Enniskillen Magistrate's Court on Monday, May 13. 

He had previously pleaded guilty to charges of failing to report and to remain at a damage-only incident. 

A prosecutor told the court how on October 8, 2023, police received a report of a collision involving a Volkswagen jeep at Main Street, Lisbellaw. 

They observed that hazard lights were on and that the front nearside wheel of the vehicle was "buckled".

Officers noted that the occupant of the driver of the vehicle was not at the scene. 

Police attempted to contact the owner of the vehicle, Downey, but were initially unsuccessful. 

Officers made contact the following day, and Downey was cautioned. 

Downey's solicitor said that the defendant was attending to a calving cow at the time of the incident. 

"He did not know he was required to remain," she said. "He was attending to a cow that needed urgent care; the cow was calving at time. 

"He left the vehicle in and around midnight, and he thought he could deal with the matter the next day after attending to his livestock."

The solicitor added that in addition to farming, Downey was also employed by the Road Service. 

District Judge Alana McSorley, impacted a total of five penalty points and fines of £200.