A teenage ’R’ plate driver who crashed his car to avoid a cat has been fined £500.

Joshua Glover, of Ashley Park, Onchan, admitted careless driving and also had his licence endorsed with six penalty points.

Magistrates extended the 19-year-old’s ’R’ plate period, which was due to expire in March 2020, by 12 months.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told the court that police were called to Main Road in Baldrine on September 10 at 3am after a report of a blue Renault Clio on its roof.

Police found the car upside down in the middle of the road. The fire service and an ambulance were also at the scene.

Glover was not injured and told police he had been driving to Laxey to pick up a friend when a cat ran into the road and he swerved to avoid it. He said he was travelling at about 35mph at the time.

Defence advocate Andrew Baker said that Glover was an inexperienced driver who had co-operated with the police.

Mr Baker said that Glover had said he wanted to apologise to the emergency services for wasting their time.

Magistrates also ordered Glover to pay £50 costs.