A visiting driver who lost control and smashed into an on-coming car before promptly leaving the island could end up in jail, a court has heard.

Paul Tompson, of Studley Road, Hartelpool, in Cleveland, lost control of a silver Mercedes as he turned right into Johnny Watterson’s Lane from Ballanard Road in Douglas.

A witness told police he saw the Mercedes out of control, crossing the carriageway in front of him. He thought it was about to smash into the wall at the side of the road. But at the last minute, it corrected itself, ramming into the front of his BMW instead.

On emerging from the wreckage, 26-year-old Tompson’s reaction was less than encouraging.

’I lost it there. It’s not my car. It’s the missus’s car,’ he announced, before walking away.

The witness used a mobile phone to dial 999. Police tried to trace the car’s registered owner, without success, but a short time later she appeared at the accident scene.

She identified the wreckage as the remains of her car and told police she gave the keys to two unknown men who wanted to test drive it. She was arrested.

Meanwhile, Tompson, the driver, had left and was later interviewed by police back at home in Cleveland. He told them he did not flee the scene but was, coincidentally, due to return home.

By post, he admitted careless driving and having no insurance, car tax or driving licence and failing to stop or report the accident, all on February 2.

Noting that two of the offences carried possible imprisonment and a driving ban was also likely, magistrates adjourned the case and set a date for the defendant to appear in person.

He is scheduled to appear before the court on May 4, when all sentencing options will be open. Should he not attend, a warrant will be issued.