Stole car from Gilpinstown Road and crashed it into a lamp post

Christopher Anthony Hughes, no fixed abode, appeared in court by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He admitted taking a car without the consent of the owner, driving while unfit, not having insurance and not having a licence on September 27 last year.

For the first three offences he was sentenced to three months in custody and banned from driving for 12 months.

A fine of £50 was imposed for not having a licence and he was ordered to pay a £25 offender’s levy.

The court heard that the car was taken from the Gilpinstown Road, the car was being driven erratically and swerved a number of times before hitting a lamp post. Hughes was arrested for driving while unfit.

Mr Conor Downey, representing the defendant, said the vehicle, which was owned by employee of a pizza outlet, had been left open.

He added Hughes had been on remand since September.