A man who was visiting the island from Birkenhead for the Manx Grand Prix has been fined £1,000 for possessing cocaine.

Aaron Daniel McKinney, of Palatine Road, Wirral, was also fined £200 for cannabis possession.

McKinney was caught with £240 worth of cocaine and £16 worth of cannabis on August 23.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court the 22-year-old was stopped by police on Lower Dukes Road in Douglas as he was with a man who was banned from the island under an exclusion order.

The drugs were found in a bag McKinney was carrying.

He told police he bought the cannabis from a local man but denied any knowledge of the cocaine. However, in court he pleaded guilty to possession of both drugs.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough said that McKinney has been coming to the island with his father and grandfather to watch the Grand Prix for several years.

’This was his first time without them and he has met a younger crowd. He has a good job in the oil industry in the UK and is deeply ashamed of his behaviour. He has put his job at great risk. All he can do is apologise.

’He says he has shamed his family. Mr McKinney has travelled here today. He has been very upset and afraid. It’s clear to me he is a young man who has had a shock. It is a shame you have a young man in front of you with such a good future who has had a moment of stupidity.’

McKinney must pay £125 prosecution costs.