A 31-year-old Enniskillen man faces 140 hours of community service after he committed a crime of dishonesty and came before a recent sitting of Fermanagh Magistrate's Court.

District Judge Liam McNally heard how on the 1st March, the defendant Keith Malcolm Black from Woaghternerry purchased sports clothing worth £105 from Lakeland Leisure in Irvinestown, paying for the goods by cheque.

It later emerged he had dishonestly made a false representation causing loss to the owner Catherine Taggart. On the 13th May Black said he was sorry for the hassle and was on his way to the bank to sort the matter. He paid the outstanding money owed to Lakeland Leisure in full and this was confirmed by the shop owner.

Defending, Garry Smyth asked the Court to consider Black's early plea. At the time Mr Smyth submitted, his client was experiencing personal difficulties. His marriage had broken down and he was suffering financial stress including mortgage repayments. He said he had now sold his house and was living in rented accommodation and his finances were now on a more stable footing. He said Black had fully admitted to the offence and had made full restitution. He said he was embarrassed to be back before the court on a charge of this nature.

District Judge McNally said this was Black's third conviction for dishonesty. He sentenced him to 140 hours of community service.