AN “irresponsible” mother who allowed her 15-year-old son to drive her car has received a two-month disqualification.

Christine Mary Leonard (53), of Caldragh Road, Kinawley, was charged with permitting her teenage son to use a motor vehicle without insurance at Drumhack Road, Kinawley on January 18 this year.

Defending solicitor, Garry Smyth, entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client at Fermanagh Magistrates Court.

The court heard that, on the date in question, police stopped a Vauxhall Astra and spoke to the driver, who identified himself.

It was ascertained that he was only 15-years-old.

The passenger in the car then identified herself as the defendant and confirmed that she owned the vehicle. She was arrested and cautioned for the offence.

During a tape-recorded interview, she made a full admission and apologised. She informed officers that her son had been “nagging” her to let him drive.

Mr Smyth told the court that his client’s son had been dealt with by the Youth Justice Agency by “alternative means”.

He added that both Leonard and her son had engaged fully in that process.

In mitigation, the solicitor said that the teenager had only driven a “very short distance” before coming to police attention.

Describing him as having a “very keen interest” in cars, Mr Smyth said that the defendant had “foolishly” permitted him to drive in a rural setting.

Urging the judge to give her credit for pleading guilty in a “timely fashion”, the solicitor said the vehicle was insured and her licence was important for her work.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that it was “quite irresponsible” to let any 15-year-old drive a vehicle.

The judge said the defendant’s record was “not unblemished”, but noted that her last relevant entry was in 2009.

Mr Broderick fined her £200, ordered her to pay a £15 offender levy and disqualified her from driving for two months.