A car thief stole a Skoda with the owner’s dog inside and then crashed through cones on Douglas promenade.

Gavin James Laing, 26, of Queens Road, Onchan, admitted taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, having no insurance, failing to stop for police, and failing to provide a sample of breath.

He was committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery where he will appear on February 18.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on February 2 at 9.45pm, the owner of a Skoda Superb found Laing sitting in the passenger seat of his car on North Quay in Douglas.

Laing got out of the car and swung a punch at the man but was so intoxicated that he fell over. The man went back into the shop he had come out of and called the police.

However, he had left the keys in the ignition and saw Laing get back in the Skoda and drive off at speed with the owner’s dog in the car.

A witness saw Laing driving along Douglas promenade near the Villa Marina with no lights on and veering all over the road. He nearly hit roadwork signs outside the Palace Hotel then mounted the pavement causing pedestrians to take evasive action.

Police were by now following with sirens on but Laing continued, still with no lights on, colliding with roadwork cones outside the Terminus Tavern.

He then veered across the road and slowed to around 10mph before stopping on King Edward Road.

Police got Laing out of the car and handcuffed him on the ground before taking him to police headquarters.

In custody he was said to have been belligerent and unco-operative, attempting to punch one officer in the face before Pava spray was used to restrain him.

He refused to give a sample of breath.

The court heard that Laing was disqualified from driving in 2013 for two years with an order to retake his test which he had not done.

Mr Robinson said that the case should go to the higher court for sentencing and Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes agreed, citing the combination of offences and evidence that indicated Laing was intoxicated as reasons.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with a condition not to drive.