AN ‘R’ driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the gates outside an Enniskillen school in the early hours of the morning then “panicked” and left the scene, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Liam Dean McMorris (23), of Navar Guest House, Derrygonnelly Road, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen, having a defective tyre and failing to remain at the scene of a damage-only accident on August 3, 2017.

The car had collided with the gates at the entrance of the Lough Shore Road site of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

Defending solicitor, Gary Black, said that, on the night in question, the defendant had been travelling from a 30mph limit to a 40mph limit on a corner and then “hit the brakes and lost control”.

He said that McMorris, who was an ‘R’ driver at the time, “panicked” because he had never been involved in an accident before and started the eight-mile walk back to his home address.

In mitigation, Mr. Black said that his client had been fully insured.

Deputy district judge, Paul Conway, imposed fines totalling £300 and endorsed his driving licence with three penalty points.