A 59-year-old Ballasalla man has been fined £100 for trying to breach a licensing ban.

Roderick Paul Fitton, of Whitestone Terrace, attempted to buy a bottle of vodka from Ballasalla Spar but was recognised by staff.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that Fitton was made the subject of the six-month licensing ban in October 2019.

However, on November 6 he bought a pizza from Ballasalla Spar and then asked staff for a bottle of vodka.

He was refused the alcohol and left the shop.

Alcohol

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw asked for credit to be given for Fitton’s guilty plea and said that he had suffered a bereavement shortly before the incident.

’He turned to the bottle to make himself feel better,’ said the advocate.

Mr Wilshaw said that Fitton spent 14 years without drinking after previously having alcohol issues.

The advocate said that Fitton had suffered an injury at work which had left him with a disability and unable to obtain work despite saying he had applied for hundreds of jobs.

Magistrates also ordered Fitton to pay £50 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £20 per week deducted from benefits.