A teenage apprentice mechanic has been fined £500 for riding a scooter in a dangerous condition.

Charles Ashley Carter, of Thornhill Close, Port Erin, admitted the offence and also had his licence endorsed with three points.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that 18-year-old Carter was seen by police riding the Honda ANF 125 on December 14 in Ballabeg.

The engine sounded noisy and the bike looked in poor condition so the police stopped him.

The bike was taken to the test centre and found to have problems with its rear tyre, lights, suspension and body work, resulting in it being deemed unroadworthy.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers handed in letters of reference for his client.

The advocate said: ’Mr Carter is an apprentice mechanic so it’s highly embarrassing he comes before the court but he is not fully trained yet.’

Mr Rodgers said that the bike had been examined previously shortly before the date of the incident and no issues had been found.

’So when examined again it was something of a shock,’ said the advocate.

’Mr Carter doesn’t accept the lights and body work issues but accepts it was deemed unroadworthy. It was a cheap vehicle. He is now operating a better vehicle.’

The court heard that Carter already has six points on his licence.

Magistrates chair Carol Maddrell said: ’This doesn’t really show you in a good light when you are an apprentice mechanic.’

Carter was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £40 per month.