A 32-year-old man from Anagh Coar has been fined £300 for attempting to breach a licensing ban.

Kristopher Coward, of Tramman Park, was also banned from buying or being sold alcohol for a further two months by magistrates.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that Coward was given the licensing ban on August 18 for one month.

Despite this, he went to Spar in Pulrose on September 9 and tried to buy a bottle of Captain Morgan’s rum.

Staff recognised him from their banning book and refused him the sale.

Coward said ’I forgot’ and left the shop.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said: ’It was not a sophisticated attempt. Mr Coward admitted the offence when confronted. The one-month ban has now expired and this was the only breach.’

Mr Glover said that his client was currently paying a fine and costs at a rate of £15 per week deducted from his benefits.

Magistrates ordered Coward to pay £50 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the £300 fine, at a rate of £15 per week, to be deducted from his benefits at the end of the previous fine.