Van wasn't worth fixing

John Donnelly (37), Victoria Street, Lurgan, was fined £200 last Friday at Craigavon Magistrates Court for not having insurance on April 4 this year.

He was also given six points and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

For not having a vehicle test certificate he was fined £50.

The court heard the offences came to light when he was stopped by police at a vehicle checkpoint in Victoria Street.

Mr Pat Vernon, representing the defendant, said Donnelly held his hands up immediately and admitted the offences to police.

He explained it was an old van and the defendant was trying to organise it for the MOT. He brought it to a mechanic to see what work was needed.

Mr Vernon added that Donnelly was told the van was not worth spending money on to repair and he was driving it home when he was stopped by police.