A 19-year-old agricultural contractor had been working late into the night for several nights when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a fence.

Nathan Thompson, of Newbridge Road, Lisnaskea, pleaded guilty at Fermanagh Court to driving carelessly and failing to keep his vehicle at the scene of the collision.

He was fined £350 and given six penalty points.

A prosecutor told the court that on Saturday, July 5, police attended the scene of the crash on the Moorlough Road at Lisnaskea. A fence and road signs had been damaged. Inquiries led police to Thompson. He was interviewed and said he had fallen asleep while driving home at 4am from gathering grass.

Defence solicitor Geoffrey Wilkinson said Thompson was employed as an agricultural contractor and had been working late into the night for several night leading up to this incident. He had paid £100 for the repair of the damage.

Mr. Wilkinson told the court Thompson is currently working in England but had flown back for the court appearance. His licence is important to him.

District Judge Nigel Broderick asked why Thompson did not keep his vehicle at the scene.

Mr. Wilkinson said that after the crash Thompson phoned his father who came and pulled him out. Part of the vehicle was still there, including the number plate.

“There was no intention of trying to avoid his responsibilities,” the solicitor added.

The District Judge told Thompson he was giving him credit for his clear record and for taking the matter seriously, having returned from England for the court case.

He said he would not disqualify him from driving, given the importance of his licence to his job.