A 19-year-old man who took his brother-in-law’s Mercedes without permission to go and get cigarettes has been fined £200 and give eight penalty points.

Patrick Donovan, of Stragowna Road, Kinawley, admitted the offence and driving without a licence and insurance.

A prosecutor told Fermanagh Court that at 9.30am on June 3, police saw Donovan driving the Mercedes C200 at Trasna Way in Lisnaskea. He claimed he had a licence and insurance and was given seven days to produce them. The owner of the Mercedes subsequently told police he had not given Donovan permission to drive the vehicle. Donovan was arrested and gave a “no comment” interview.

Defence solicitor Myles McManus told the court that on the morning in question Donovan took the car from the house where he was staying as he wanted to get cigarettes. The car belonged to his brother-in-law who was not at home at the time.

Mr. McManus said Donovan has only moved to Northern Ireland recently, having been born and reared in the Republic of Ireland. He does not have a licence nor any access to a vehicle. He is currently completing a computer course with a view to taking the theory part of the driving test.