A Douglas man has been convicted of dangerous driving after three overtaking manoeuvres on the Mountain Road.

Paul Thomas O’Driscoll, of Lower Dukes Road, had only passed his test just over two months before the incident and was still an ’R’ plate driver.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and will be sentenced on September 12 after a probation report has been prepared.

Driscoll appeared before magistrates on Thursday.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court that on May 21 at 6.10pm, the 20-year-old was driving his Vauxhall Corsa on the A18 Mountain Road towards Ramsey.

He passed his test on March 13 and was therefore subject to a 50mph ’R’ plate speed limit.

A witness reported O’Driscoll’s driving saying he had overtaken them while they were driving at 50mph and he was exceeding the speed.

He forced his way back into a line of traffic then performed a second overtake on another vehicle, again forcing his way back into the traffic afterwards.

O’Driscoll was then said to have overtaken again, this time going past two cars.

A motorist who was driving in the opposite direction said that they feared for their life as they were confronted by O’Driscoll heading towards them as he overtook.

The driver flashed his vehicle lights at O’Driscoll after the incident.

The court heard he has no previous convictions and advocate Paul Glover asked for a probation report to be compiled before sentencing.

Mr Glover asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and for it to be taken into account that no-one had been injured or any damage caused.

Magistrates ordered that the probation report consider all options, including custody.

Bail was granted with conditions that O’Driscoll reside at his home address and attend probation meetings.