An experienced paramedic has been fined £360 for speeding as he was rushing to Jurby prison after a report of a stabbing there.

Douglas Scott, aged 54, of Royal Avenue, in Onchan,was clocked driving at 66mph in a 30mph zone in his own vehicle at Douglas Road Corner in Kirk Michael on January 17.

He admitted the offence and also had his licence endorsed with nine penalty points. Defending Scott in court, his advocate Peter Russell told the court how his client was a paramedic of 25 years who had recently been promoted to a managerial role.

Mr Russell said that a prison officer had been stabbed in the head by a prisoner and he felt obliged to get to the prison as soon as possible.

’In his mind it was an emergency, though it would not be classed in law as one,’ he said. ’He was braking as he went through the 30mph zone reducing his speed. He was distracted and should have put the brakes on earlier.

’He had genuine concern as it was quite a significant event at the prison.’

The advocate said if his client was disqualified, he would no longer be able to work as a paramedic.

Magistrates also ordered Scott, an advanced driver, to pay £50 costs.