A disqualified driver drove his neighbour to a shop because her electricity meter needed a top-up.

Gregor Turley, of Drury Terrace, Douglas, took his girlfriend’s car and was arrested in the car park at Anagh Coar stores.

The 44-year-old admitted offences of driving whilst disqualified, taking a vehicle without consent, having no vehicle licence and having no insurance.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced him to 12 months’ probation and 100 hours of community service, as well as banning him from driving for 12 months.

The court heard that Turley was arrested on August 3 after his neighbour had asked him for a lift to get a top-up for her electricity meter.

Turley took his girlfriend’s car keys and drove to Anagh Coar stores but was seen by police in the car park there.

Defence advocate Winston Taylor said: ’Mr Turley was frank in his acceptance of his culpability, even though his actions were done with good intentions.’

Mr Taylor said that he cared for and supported his elderly mother and was currently unemployed but looking for work in the construction industry.

Good intentions

The court heard that Turley has previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified in 2017 and taking a vehicle without consent in 2012.

A probation report assessed Turley as a low risk of reoffending and harm to others, except in relation to vehicles when the risk rose to medium to high.

The report recommended a combination order during which it said that Turley could utilise his skills as a qualified bricklayer.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes gave Turley credit for this admissions at the scene and in interview, as well as taking into account the circumstances under which Turley had driven.

Mrs Hughes ordered that Turley must retake his driving test at the end of the 12-month ban.