A Douglas man admitted committing an offence under the 1929 Census Act by failing to fill in his census form.

Michael Dunning, of Belmont Terrace in Douglas, admitted failing to complete the survey, which takes place every five years and fell due in 2016.

For the prosecution, Michael Jelski said it was a legal requirement for all householders to complete the form, and 55-year-old Dunning had failed to do so.

Dunning, who represented himself, told the court he had forgotten to complete the form.

’I was not at home, I was away camping that weekend,’ he said, referring to the date on which the information was supposed to be provided.

Asked about his means, he told the court: ’Funds are low as I have my daughter’s wedding to pay for.’

Magistrates’ chairman Julian Ashcroft fined him £100 for failing to complete the census form. He must also pay a contribution towards prosecution costs totalling £50. Should he default on the payment he would have to serve 14 days in custody.

Four other people accused of the same offence did not appear and their cases were deferred to June 8.