Woman caught driving three times with no licence or insurance
A woman who was caught driving with no insurance or driving licence three times in just over three months has had her sentencing deferred until the new year.
District Judge Steven Keown decided for probation to complete an updated pre-sentence report for Charlene Leonard (35), of Trasna Way, Lisnaskea.
The first incident occurred on September 18, 2021 when police were called to an incident at Trasna Way when the car Leonard was driving struck another car.
The court heard Leonard got out and apologised to the other driver for the damage to the car.
Leonard was notebook interviewed and admitted having no driving licence or insurance.
On October 29, 2021, police were on mobile patrol on Gardiners Road, Maguiresbridge when they saw the defendant get into the driver’s seat of a car.
Officers stopped and spoke with Leonard who told them her partner had been feeling unwell and she had decided to drive.
Police were aware Leonard had no valid driving licence. She admitted the driving offences.
And then on December 23, 2021, Leonard was stopped on Gardiners Cross Road by police on mobile patrol and was cautioned for having no driving licence or insurance.
The case was adjourned until January 23, 2023, for the updated pre-sentence report to be completed.
A Trillick stonemason has spoken of his pride at being inducted to the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Emmet Mcgirr from Trillick was inducted in a ceremony last month in Edinburgh. Emmet is one of two Master Craftsmen in Northern Ireland who specialise in stonemasonry who are part of the guild.
Speaking of the event, Emmet said: “It was great to meet fellow industry people, the master craftsman has been going since the 1800s and it was hosted in Edinburgh, we had to all go and get dressed up including the tartan for a champagne reception.”
Emmet detailed some of his journey into stonemasonry in conversation with The Impartial Reporter, including some family connections, he said: “Officially I started my business three years ago but I only picked up my first stone four years ago to build a wall at the house but my great uncle and grandfather were both stonemasons.”
The trade is often in demand, as Emmet explained: “It is so busy at the moment, stonemasons are a rare bunch to find and there would only be a small bunch in the trade, I am 41 and there is no one younger than me coming up through the trade”
Emmet views the trade as an art form and something creative, he said: “To me it is an art form, I am creating something. I am lucky in I get and choose the projects that I really want to do.i love to work with old reclaimed stone, stone that someone had 100 years ago – and to think of all the history in it. We would do some renovation work for older buildings
He added: “Buildings are special and you often think, if walls could talk. Growing up I always loved going to castles, old cathedrals and old churches.”
The work takes Emmet all across Northern Ireland but the busy dad of three often works closer to home. He said: “Me and my apprentice work as a team and at the minute we are in Newry and then we will head on to Ederney and Brookeborough. We work all other the North but tend not to go too far.”
Emmet specialises in houses and other features of the home but is now hoping to work on a special project with other stonemasons with further details to be revealed later.
Emmet’s work can be viewed on Instagram by following @ Vintagestoneworks.