A 23-YEAR-OLD motorist who was more than twice over the legal drink-driving limit when his car hit a tree in the early hours of the morning has received a 16-month disqualification.

Martin Fee, of Cavandale, Cavanaleck, Enniskillen, was charged with driving with excess alcohol in his breath at Sligo Road, Enniskillen on May 15, 2016.

Fee entered a guilty plea to the offence when he appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday.

The court heard that, at 5.45am, police were tasked to an incident at Sligo Road and found a Peugeot 307 in the middle of the road.

The front bumper of the car was badly damaged, the court heard.

The defendant was sitting in the driver’s seat. He told police that he had hit a tree and then his engine had seized.

After providing a preliminary breath sample, Fee was arrested and conveyed to custody.

A subsequent evidential breath test taken at Enniskillen police station returned a reading of 76 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath – a total of 41 micrograms in excess of the legal limit.

The defendant then gave a ‘no comment’ interview, the court heard.

Defending solicitor, Bernard Corrigan, handed in testimonials to the court on behalf of his client, who is a student at the University of Ulster. He said that, on the night in question, Fee had been at a friend’s house and made a “foolish” decision to drive back to Enniskillen.

In mitigation, Mr Corrigan said that the defendant had given an “open and honest” interview at the scene and fully complied with the breath test procedure.

Urging the judge to show leniency, the solicitor said that the loss of his licence would cause his client “considerable difficulties”.

He added that Fee had been driving “without blemish” since 2011. District judge Peter King gave the defendant credit for his clear record and guilty plea, but observed that he had been “more than twice” over the drink-driving limit. He imposed a £250 fine, a £15 offender levy and a 16-month driving disqualification.The defendant was certified as a candidate for the drink-driving course and will be eligible for a discount of up to 25 per cent on his ban upon successful completion.