A 43-year-old roofer has been fined £630 for having a vehicle in a dangerous condition and causing an unnecessary obstruction.

Bruno Miguel Borges admitted both offences and also had his licence endorsed with three points.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the High Bailiff that police went to Empress Drive in Douglas on June 22.

The entrance to Empress Drive from the promenade was closed, meaning that the only access was via a lane.

However, there was a large van parked on double yellow lines on the right of the junction blocking access.

Police were unable to enter Empress Drive due to the van and tried to contact Borges but could not find him.

The van was in such poor condition that when a vehicle recovery officer tried to open a sliding side door it fell off, nearly injuring him.

It was taken to the test centre and defects were found with tyres, a wing mirror, brake lights, indicators.

The court heard that Borges, who lives at Murray’s Road, Douglas, has four points previously on his licence.

Defence advocate Andrew Baker said: ’Mr Borges says he had taken the vehicle to a garage three or four weeks prior and, although it’s not pretty, he had the worst of it fixed.’

Mr Baker asked the court to spare his client from a ban as it would affect his employment and he was also training to get his HGV licence.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks fined Borges £430 for the dangerous condition offence and £200 for the obstruction offence.

He was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs and will pay all amounts at a rate of £150 per month.