A Pulrose man has been handed a suspended sentence after his third conviction for driving while disqualified.

Richard William Miller, of Alder Road, was sentenced to 20 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years and also banned from driving for 12 months under the totting-up process.

The 42-year-old admitted driving whilst disqualified, having no insurance, having no vehicle licence, and failing to notify a change of vehicle ownership.

Magistrates heard that this was Miller’s third conviction for driving while disqualified in the last four years.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, on May 15, an off-duty police officer saw Miller driving at Spring Valley in Douglas.

He had been disqualified for five years in 2012 with an order to retake his test at the end of his ban but had not done so.

Miller was spoken to and, in a police interview, admitted the vehicle was his and he was aware it had no tax or insurance.

He said that he had not realised he was still banned from driving.

Defending Miller in court his advocate Rebecca Cubbon said: ’Mr Miller had been storing the vehicle in a lock-up on private land.

’He bought the car months before and kept it there. It wasn’t him who drove it there and it was taxed and insured then.

’Unfortunately, it was a matter of having to clear out the lock-up, so he had to move the vehicle from the premises and he has done so.’

Miller told probation services: ’I took a chance and I got caught out.’

Ms Cubbon went on to say that her client was concerned he would lose the accommodation he and his teenage son rented if he went to prison.

Miller was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs and his original ban will remain until he has retaken his test.