A 32-year-old painter and decorator from Douglas has been fined £825 for four driving-related offences.

Frankie George Pitts, of Spring Valley Road, admitted a licence offence, having no insurance, having no vehicle licence, and using a mobile phone while driving.

His licence was also endorsed with eight penalty points.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court that, on January 30, police on patrol on Glencrutchery Road saw Pitts driving a Ford Transit van while using his mobile phone.

He was stopped and checks revealed that his tax had expired in October 2018 and his driving licence in June 2018.

Pitts was given five days to produce documents but then produced a licence and insurance which commenced on January 30, the day he was stopped.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said that his client had bought the vehicle on the day he was stopped and that vehicle registration details had confirmed this.

’His partner works in insurance and he had spoken to her,’ said the advocate. ’He believed it was in hand and the policy did come into force 33 minutes later.

’With regards to his driving licence Mr Pitts informs me he received a reminder last year but he inadvertently ticked and paid for a duplicate licence so unbeknownst to him his licence had expired.’

Mr Wood went on to say that a disqualification would affect Pitts’ ability to work.

’He can’t take his ladder and paint pots on the bus,’ said the advocate.

Magistrates fined Pitts £100 for the licence offence, £400 for having no insurance, £75 for no vehicle licence, and £250 for using the mobile phone.

He must also pay £50 prosecution costs.