A driver who was caught speeding near a school in Peel was doing 20mph above the limit, Douglas magistrates were told.

John Joseph Bailey, aged 45, of Magher Breek, Peel, admitted driving at 50mph in the 30mph zone near to QEII school in the town on June 9.

Representing the prosecution, Richard Butters said Bailey was caught out by a speed trap by the school, some time after 5.30pm, on the main A1 Peel road. He said the weather was clear and fine and visibility was excellent.

When stopped by police, Bailey had apologised.

Defending him, advocate Roger Kane stressed to the court his client had expressed ’immediate sorrow’.

’Mr Bailey was heading towards Peel and was caught by the speed camera,’ he said.

He added 50mph was the ’peak’ of his speed as he crossed from the derestricted area into the speed limit. He told the court Bailey was worried that a car ’tailgating’ him behind may hit him if he braked too suddenly.

’He has had a clean licence for 17 years and is a good driver,’ he said.

Magistrates fined him £200 with £50 costs and his licence was endorsed with four penalty points.