A teenager has been fined £850 after stealing a car to get home from a party.

Samuel John Warriner, of Jacks Lane, Maughold, was also banned from driving for three months.

The 19-year-old outdoor pursuits instructor who lives and works at the Venture Centre said that he could not get a taxi so he stole a car to take him and his two friends back from Jurby.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court that Warriner and his two friends were given a lift to a 21st birthday party in Jurby on July 14.

The car they arrived in was parked in a field which was being used for parking.

At 11am the following morning the complainant in the case found that their car was missing from the field.

CCTV footage was viewed and Warriner was seen driving the car away with his two friends.

The complainant tracked Warriner down to the Venture Centre and confronted him about the theft.

The car was at the centre and police arrived and arrested Warriner and the other two parties, who were dealt with by way of cautions.

When interviewed, Warriner told police his original lift had left without him so he had tried to get a taxi but was unsuccessful.

He said he was about 10 miles from where he was living so he looked for a vehicle with the keys in.

Warriner said he had intended to return the car to the field the next day.

A probation report said that Warriner described his actions as a ’really bad stupid decision’.

Warriner was said to hold a full UK driving licence.

He had moved to the Isle of Man four months ago to take up employment here.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’Mr Warriner attended the party late in the day. He is relatively new to the island and had heard about the party and got a run out there by a person who had indicated they would be giving him a lift back.

’These young people were effectively stuck in the wilds of Jurby. But there is no excuse.

’The fact that his employer has come to court points to the very high regard this young man his held in.

’Unfortunately a stupid split second decision has resulted in him losing his good character.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Warriner: ’It was an extremely mean action because the person who the car belonged to was left in Jurby themselves.’

Warriner was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs. He must pay the fine and costs forthwith.