A judge has put the decision of a driver – who told the police he “panicked” and left a road crash – down to immaturity on his part, it has been heard.

On May 3, at around 8.10am police received a report of a hit and run on Sligo Road outside Enniskillen.

When police arrived, they spoke with the driver of the damaged car, who explained they were travelling along Sligo Road when a car pulled out of Crownhall Road and they collided.

There were no injuries reported and the other driver – Andrew Edward Armstrong (18), of Greystone Road, Enniskillen – made off back down Crownhall Road.

However, his number plate had fallen off during the crash, and police were able to find the owner of the other car.

Armstrong lived close by and when he got home he rang the police to report the incident and said he “panicked” and left the scene.

His solicitor, Gary Black, told the court that on the particular stretch of road the injured party’s car had been coming around a bad bend and Armstrong has pulled out into the path of the oncoming vehicle, but pointed out that the damage was minimal.

Mr. Black also pointed out that Armstrong had contacted the police before they had come to his house.

He said Armstrong, who was an agricultural contractor, relied on his licence and asked the court to give him credit for his plea at the first opportunity.

Mr. Black added it was a poor piece of driving and decision making, but Armstrong ultimately made it good by calling the police.

Deputy District Judge John Rea put the incident down to immaturity on Armstrong’s part.
For failing to remain at an accident, failing to stop at an accident and driving without due care and attention, Armstrong received four penalty points and a total of £350 in fines.