“TWO or three mistakes” have led a 26-year-old full-time student to amass a “very lengthy criminal record”, a Fermanagh Magistrates Court District Judge has said.
Davis Eriksons, Rossorry Court, Enniskillen, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with driving while disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and driving with no vehicle test certificate.
The court heard that on Wednesday, March 8 this year Eriksons was stopped by police on the Tempo Road, Enniskillen when he was driving a moped.
There was no insurance for the vehicle and the vehicle test certificate had expired.
Officers also realised that Eriksons had been disqualified from driving for six months on December 19 last year.
He was arrested and brought to Enniskillen police station where he admitted all offences.
His solicitor, Niall Bogue told the court the moped had belonged to his flat mate who had been running late for work.
Describing the offense as “an impulsive spur of the moment act” Mr. Bogue said Eriksons flat mate was a learning to drive the moped.
He told the court the defendant was currently seeking part-time employment and had hopes of attending unisveristy this September.
“Living in a rural area the loss of his licence will create difficulties for both those prospects,” Mr. Bogue submitted.
The court was told Eriksons has been assessed as having a low likelihood of reoffending.
Addressing the defendant directly, District Judge Broderick said: “You have amassed now a very lengthy criminal record for driving through essentially two or three mistakes.
“When courts make these orders they must be obeyed and carried out. A breach can carry a period of imprisonment. Hopefully you have now learned your lesson.”
He sentenced him to 80 hours of community service, disqualified him for an additional six months and fined him £75.