A motorist has been banned from driving for six months for driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Wesley Anthony Burgess, of Clybane Manor, Farmhill, Douglas, admitted both offences and was also fined £900.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on June 5 at 3.20am, Burgess, who is 37, was seen driving on Crellin’s Hill going onto Albert Terrace in Douglas.

He was spoken to by police and told them that he did not have a licence or insurance.

The court heard that he was banned for six months in October 2001 with an order to retake his test but had never taken it.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said: ’The offences for which he was disqualified were nearly 18 years ago when he was young and immature.

’A short ban and a requirement to retake the test is unusual.

Late shift

After 17 and a half years he is a different person.

’He works as a store manager and takes the bus to and from work.’

He added: ’On the day in question, it was the middle of TT and someone asked him to do a shift at Jaks.

’He realised it would end at 2am and he would be stuck in Douglas, taxis being scarce, he took the decision to take the car and drive home after his shift.

’The car is no longer in the family possession.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’Either you have been out of trouble for 17 and a half years or you haven’t come to the police’s attention and have been driving for 17 and a half years.

’I will treat this as a one-off.’

Burgess was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.

He will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £300 per month and must still retake his test before driving again.