A 37-year-old man has admitted dishonestly using electricity after police found a strong magnet slowing down the meter recording his usage.

Shane Alan Corrigan, of Yoan Road, Enniskillen, was fined £250.

A prosecutor told Fermanagh Court that on April 3, police searched Corrigan’s home, believing he was in possession of a quantity of powerful magnets used for dishonestly obtaining electricity. He was interviewed and admitted using a magnet to slow down the meter recording his use of electricity.

Defence solicitor Gary Smyth said Corrigan has repaid the value of the electricity in full as well as an administration charge.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said he was giving Corrigan credit for making a full admission and paying back the money.

“I have to warn you that if you engage in this activity again it will not be a fine, it will be something more serious than that,” he added.