A 21-year-old Sulby man has been handed a suspended sentence for a six motoring offences and possession of cannabis.

Thomas Daniel Richards, of Ballabrooie, admitted driving while disqualified, having no insurance, having no vehicle licence, not wearing a crash helmet, using a vehicle without a registration mark, and having a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing £6.85 worth of cannabis.

Magistrates sentenced Richards to three months’ custody, suspended for two years and banned him from driving for six months.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that Richards was banned from driving in September 2017 for two years with an order to retake his test after the ban.

However, on June 16, an off-duty police officer saw Richards get on a motorbike and ride it around Fairfield Avenue in Douglas.

He was wearing no helmet and was later found to have no insurance or vehicle licence.

The bike was also later found to have 11 defects.

On September 13 a search of Richards’ home address found 1.8 grams of cannabis valued at £6.85.

Advocate Matthew Wilshaw asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea. He said Richards had intended to use the motorbike as an off-road bike which was why it was not taxed.

’On the day he was going to take it to Sky Hill and wanted to check it would run,’ said the advocate. Having started the bike he made the stupid decision to ride around Fairfield Avenue.’

Mr Wilshaw said Richards was currently signed off work but was looking for employment.

He continued: ’We would submit the offence is one of stupidity rather than anything else. So many offences have come from one reckless decision.’

Magistrates also ordered Richards to pay £50 costs.