A 28-year-old father of seven has been banned from driving despite arguing that it would cause him exceptional hardship.

Paul Michael Dale Ford, of Willaston Crescent, Douglas, pleaded guilty to having a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

He appeared before magistrates for sentencing last week.

He already had 10 points on his licence and magistrates disqualified him for six months under the totting up process after adding three points for the latest offence.

Ford gave evidence in court to claim disqualification would cause his family exceptional hardship and told the court that the ban would impact his ability to take the children to school and nursery.

He said he was currently claiming sickness benefit due to mental health issues and that he owned 11 cars.

Defects

As well as the ban magistrates fined him £450, which he will pay at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that Ford was stopped on the Mountain Road at Keppel Gate while driving a Ford Focus which had smashed rear window held together with tape.

The car was taken to the test centre and found to have other defects relating to a tyre and headlamp.

Ford received 10 points previously for two offences of having a vehicle in a dangerous condition and one of using a mobile phone while driving.

Prosecutor Mr Kane said that the ban would be no different to any other father losing his licence and that there were no grounds for exceptional hardship.

Magistrates agreed with Mr Kane and also ordered Ford to pay £50 prosecution costs.