An 81-year-old man whose driving licence was six years out of date and who rode a motorbike in a dangerous condition has been fined £530.

Paul Hesketh, of Stoney Mountain Road, Foxdale, admitted both offences and also had his licence endorsed with three penalty points.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that police saw Hesketh riding a Yamaha XT125 on September 16 last year on the Castletown Road in Santon heading towards Douglas.

The bike looked in a poor condition so police stopped him and found that his licence had expired in April 2014.

The bike was seized and taken to the test centre where a vehicle examiner found faults with the suspension, brakes, lights, indicators, battery, tyres and exhaust.

Hesketh produced valid insurance and tax for the bike.

He declined the use of a duty advocate and represented himself in court.

Magistrates fined him £430 for having a vehicle in a dangerous condition and £100 for having no driving licence.

Magistrates’ chair Ken Faragher told Hesketh: ’As a motorbike rider myself I am amazed you considered going out on this bike.’

He was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs and will pay all amounts at a rate of £50 per month.