A former professional cyclist from Douglas has been handed a suspended sentence for burglary and possession of cocaine.

Christopher David Ward, also known as Whorrall, of Woodville Terrace, broke into Sure’s shop in Ramsey using a drill.

After admitting burglary, possession of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, magistrates sentenced the 29-year-old to 100 days in custody for each offence, to run concurrently, but suspended for 18 months.

He was also made the subject of an 18-month suspended sentence supervision order.

Ward was also ordered to pay £459.50 compensation to Sure for the damage caused.

In 2010, Ward, then known as Whorrall, rode in the GiroBio D’Italia and was also part of the Isle of Man’s Commonwealth Games team.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that, on December 10, 2019, police received a report of a crashed Ford Kuga unattended on Ballure Road in Ramsey.

It was said to be badly damaged with the bloodied airbags deployed.

The car was registered to Ward and a taxi driver reported picking him up near the Venture Centre in Maughold at 5.45am and taking him to Port Soderick.

At 9am staff at Sure in Parliament Street discovered the shop door had been damaged and CCTV footage showed the break-in.

Footage showed Ward get out of the Ford Kuga at 2.46am carrying a toolbox.

He was seen using the drill to open the door and then smashed a window to climb in.

Ward was only inside for 42 seconds and did not take anything, emerging to get back in the Ford Kuga.

After being arrested, Ward gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions.

Blood found in the shop and in the car matched Ward’s.

On October 8, 2020, police were called to the Palace Hotel car park after a report of a Volkswagen T6 Transporter smelling of cannabis and suspected of being stolen.

When police arrived Ward ran off but was then detained.

Two bags of white powder were found on him, later confirmed as 9.9 grams of cocaine, valued at £990, and 2.4 grams of class ’B’ drug Ketamine, valued at £96.

A search of the vehicle also found £22-worth of cannabis.

drugs

When interviewed, Ward admitted possession of all three drugs, saying they were all for personal use.

A probation report said that, at the time of the drug offences, Ward had been struggling with mental health issues and self-medicating.

The report said he was working with mental health services and undergoing regular drug-testing.

Defence advocate Jim Travers said: ’Mr Ward is a former professional sportsman and ambassador for the Isle of Man. His career came to a premature end through injury.

’He loses his good character at the age of 29.

’Regarding the burglary, whatever intentions he harboured, within seconds he left the premises without removing anything.

’These proceedings have taken their toll on him. He was at a particular low ebb at the time.

’He has separated from his wife and was living out of a camper van he hired. He sought refuge in illicit drugs having come off prescription drugs.’

Mr Travers went on to say that Ward had competed in various championships around the world and that his mother was in court to support him.

Magistrates also ordered Ward to pay £200 costs which he will pay, along with the compensation, at a rate of £10 per week.