A 24-year-old man who drove from Enniskillen to Irvinestown following a night out has been disqualified from driving for 16 months.

Daniel Noble of Burfits Hill, Irvinestown was found guilty of driving when unfit through drink or drugs after he was discovered in his car on September 29, 2019.

The court heard that at 1am police were alerted by a member of the public of an intoxicated driver on Mill Street, Irvinestown heading towards Burfits Hill.

At around 1.40am, the car was located stopped in the middle of the road with the keys in the ignition, the engine running and lights on. Noble appeared to be sleeping and when woken his speech was slurred.

A reading of 94mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was taken. He told officers he went to Enniskillen on a night out and had four or five drinks. A friend was meant to give him a lift home but was let down so he drove home.

Tommy Owens, representing Noble accepted that the reading was high and that his client had made a fatal error of judgement.

He said his client had parked his car at a car park in Enniskillen on his night out but was let down by his friend.

Mr. Owens pointed out it was the early hours of the morning and no one else was involved.

He added Noble totally regrets what happened that night and apologised.

District Judge Steven Keown said it was a high reading and not a short journey before handing down the disqualification. He also fined Noble £300 and certified him for a drink drivers course.