The owner of a Douglas restaurant has appeared in a civil court after failing to pay an overdue rates bill of £6,515.34.

Mario Ciapelli, who owns Portofino Restaurant at 1 Quay West, has been given until August 23 to pay the outstanding amount relating to the property.

The case had been brought to court by Douglas Borough Council who were represented by advocate Melissa Bryan.

The council applied for an order allowing the coroner to seize the property and sell it.

Ms Bryan told the court: ’Up to yesterday there had been no payments made and no efforts to make any payment.’

Mr Ciapelli represented himself and said in his defence: ’I went to the Town Hall yesterday and said I was prepared to pay.

’I do admit it’s my fault. I had personal and family problems but things are now back to normal.

’I’d like to repay the debt.’

High Bailiff John Needham asked Mr Ciapelli how long it would take him to pay the full amount and the restaurateur asked for two months.

Ms Bryan said that her only concern was that this year’s rates would also be due imminently, as well as costs for bringing the case to court.

Mr Needham adjourned the case until September 1 saying: ’I will expect you to have paid the debt by then.

’Then I will hear how much it has cost the council to bring the matter to court.’