A 36-year-old man from Douglas has been fined £200 for trying to beat a booze ban.

Tomasz Marek Piosik, of Lower Dukes Road, tried to buy vodka from Shoprite in Peel but was recognised by staff.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that Piosik was banned from entering licensed premises and purchasing or being sold alcohol for six months in August last year.

Despite this, on September 28 at 12.55pm he went into Shoprite in Derby Road and took a bottle of Red Square vodka to the cash till along with other items.

He was asked if he knew he was in the banning book and was said to have appeared confused, saying he didn’t know about the book.

Piosik then walked out of the store without completing any purchase but was later arrested.

Defence advocate Andrew Baker said: ’There appears to have been a slight misunderstanding as to the extent of the ban.

’Mr Piosik believed he was banned from pubs. clubs and restaurants but not shops. He does now fully understand the ban.’

Mr Baker went on to say that Piosik had completed 90 hours of a 140-hour community service sentence.

The alcohol ban is due to end on February 27.

Magistrates also ordered Piosik to pay £50 prosecution costs, which he will pay along with the fine at a rate of £25 per week.