A Newtownbutler driver, who was detected speeding on the Moorlough Road, Newtownbutler, was stopped and deemed to be drunk, and as a result has been disqualified from driving for 12 months, and fined £400.

Fermanagh Magistrates Court heard that Kenneth Thomas Johnston, from Kilturk, Kilgarrett, was spotted by police travelling at 54 miles per hour in a 30 mile zone. When stopped by police, they noted a smell of intoxicating liquor from his breath. When tested, the defendant registered 59 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 24 in excess of the legal limit.

Defence solicitor Aishling Montague explained this offence was Johnston's first in 35 years of clean driving, and she described it as 'unfortunate'. Ms Montague said Johnston had been on his way home when he spotted a friend, "They went in for one, but obviously he had more than one," she said The solicitor also submitted Johnston's driving had not been 'erratic', rather it was his speed that had attracted police attention.