Ban after he declared his car off the road

East Tyrone Magistrate’s Court heard how police received a report from the public on July 6th about an accident on Tamnaskeeny Road in the Kildress area just outside Cookstown.

Details later emerged that the other car involved, belonged to Joseph Lennox, 55, from Dunmore Lane in Lissan.

Police were flagged to information that the car in question, a Toyota Hilux, was declared SORN.

The defendant subsequently admitted the charges put to him by police.

“The car was declared off the road in March,” Mr Blaine Nugent, defending, told the court after his client pleaded guilty.

“On the day in question, he was taking the car (to get work done) for MOT.

“It was a foolish decision and unfortunate that a man of his age has this on his otherwise clear record.

“He suffered a brain tumour in 2014 and then had a heart attack in May 2016.”

Deliberating over sentence, District Judge John Meehan said, “It is time to get a hold of people who declare their vehicle off the road and then continue driving around.”

He then handed down fines totalling £340 and a two month driving disqualification.

Judge Meehan fixed bail for appeal at £200 at the request of the defence who pointed to Mr Lennox’s health problems.