From this week, Northern Ireland's Resident Magistrates will be known as District Judge (Magistrates' Courts).
This change reflects a recommendation of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Review which recommended the office of Northern Ireland Resident Magistrates should be redesigned as District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) in order to demonstrate publicly that the magistracy is an integral part of the judiciary.
Resident Magistrates sit in Northern Ireland's Magistrates' Courts at 19 different court venues across Northern Ireland.
Driver had no insurance
Having no insurance for the vehicle he was driving has led to an appearance before Fermanagh Magistrates Court for Edvinas Klibavicius (32) from Hazelwood View, Springtown, Kinawley.
The court heard that on 20th April this year police spotted the defendant driving along Derrylin Main Street. They then observed the defendant turning into Silverstream estate and they followed his vehicle and stopped him.
It transpired the defendant had no insurance and no licence.
Defending, Eleanor Morris explained her client had come to this country to work, and that he was a hard worker.
Ms Morris explained the defendant's home country does not have such strict policies in relation to driving but he is learning this.
Ms Morris said she had explained to the defendant, a forklift driver, how serious these charges were and he had taken this on board.
For driving without insurance District Judge Bonita Boyd imposed a £300 fine and endorsed his licence with 8 penalty points. A fine of £100 for no licence was also handed down.
Took father's car
Taking his father's car without permission and driving that vehicle without insurance cover have led to an appearance before Fermanagh Magistrates Court for Damien Martin (18) with an address at Kinmeen North, Derrylin.
On 23rd November last year the defendant was stopped by police driving a Toyota Avensis car. When asked for his driving documents he was unable to produce them.
The defendant was later cautioned for the offences of driving without insurance and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent. The court heard the vehicle belonged to John Martin, the defendant's father.
Eleanor Morris, defending, said her client was an apprentice electrician and that he thought he was insured to drive his father's car.
The defence solicitor told the court her client admitted to police the car belonged to his parents and described the situation as a 'communication failure' as the defendant believed he was insured to drive the car.
For driving without consent District Judge Bonita Boyd imposed a fine of £200 and for driving without insurance the defendant was fined £200 and had six penalty points imposed on his licence.
Youth on burglary charge
A 17-year-old youth is expected to appear at Enniskillen Youth Court later this month charged in relation to a series of alleged burglary, theft and arson offences.
The offences are alleged to have occurred in Enniskillen town centre on May 15. A 23-year-old man was also arrested in relation to the incidents and is to be reported to the PPS.
