A 29-YEAR-OLD man who crashed his car while he was on a high dosage of sedatives has been given a three-year driving ban.

Robert John Smyth, of Tattygare Heights, Lisbellaw, was charged with driving while unfit through drink or drugs at Cullion Road, Tempo, on August 20, 2016.

Smyth entered a guilty plea when he appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday.

The court heard that, on August 20, police had attended the scene of a one-vehicle road traffic collision involving a Ford Ka.

The defendant was in the driver's seat of the car, while there was another male in the passenger seat.

Smyth was incoherent and slurring his words, while his pupils appeared dilated and bloodshot.

The defendant was being treated by paramedics who were already on the scene.

He was subsequently arrested and conveyed to South West Acute Hospital for further treatment.

Traces of Diazepam were found in a sample of blood taken from Smyth at the hospital, the court heard.

He later made admissions to some offences during police interview.

Defending counsel, Steffan Rafferty, told the court that his client's driving had been impaired by the consumption of Diazepam, adding that he was on a “high enough” dosage at the time.

In mitigation, the barrister said that no other vehicles had been involved in the incident.

He added that the defendant had a problem with addiction and mental health issues.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that the defendant had a previous relevant conviction from 2010, and, as such, would be facing a minimum disqualification of three years.

The judge fined Smyth £250, ordered him to pay a £15 offender levy and imposed a three-year road ban.

He further directed the defendant to remain disqualified until retested.