A Ramsey motorist has been fined after crashing into a wall.

Shane Joseph Byrne, aged 30, of Lezayre Estate, admitted driving with no insurance, having no vehicle licence, failing to transfer a vehicle and two counts of having a defective tyre.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on February 16 at 12.15am, Byrne lost control of his Vauxhall Astra and crashed into a wall approaching Ramsey Hairpin on the Mountain Road.

Police attended the scene and found that the car’s tax had expired in January.

The car was taken to the test centre and found to have two defective tyres.

In a police interview Byrne said he had bought the car from a friend at the end of 2017 but had not checked its condition.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said: ’The key thing is he purchased the vehicle from a friend.

’The position was, he purchased it on condition he made interim payments.

’His friend withheld the log book until all the money was paid.

’He has now been advised he has effectively taken ownership.

’He was also advised by his friend the vehicle was insured so he thought he could drive it.

’Unfortunately the vehicle wasn’t insured.

’But he didn’t hide anything.

’No-one was around, he could have driven off and nobody would have been any the wiser.

’He has learnt a harsh lesson trusting a friend.’

Byrne was fined £400 for having no insurance and £50 for each offence of having no vehicle licence, failing to transfer the vehicle and having two defective tyres.

He also had his licence endorsed with five penalty points.

Byrne must also pay £50 prosecution costs.