A Douglas man has admitted driving despite being banned for 13 years just last year.

James Jeremy Rennison has previously been convicted of disqualified driving five times in the last six years.

On Tuesday, the 52-year-old pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, failing to provide a sample of breath, having no insurance, and having no tax.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police received a report of Rennison, who lives at Empress Drive, driving on September 15 at 7.49pm and possibly being intoxicated.

Police found him driving a Nissan Micra on Main Road in Baldrine and stopped him.

Checks confirmed that he was disqualified for 13 years at the Court of General Gaol Delivery in July 2020.

His tax had also expired in October 2020.

When officers spoke to him he was described as smelling of alcohol and slurring his words.

However, Rennison refused to take a roadside breathalyser test and was subsequently taken to police headquarters.

Once there, he again refused to give any samples of breath.

A search of the Micra found a flask containing alcohol in the footwell.

Ms Cubbon said that the case should be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing, considering his previous convictions.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode said that the case was on the cusp of the summary court sentencing powers and asked for a probation report, with input from mental health services, to be prepared before sentencing.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks declined summary court jurisdiction and committed Rennison to the higher court where he will appear on October 22.

Bail continues in the sum of £500 with conditions to live at his home address and co-operate with probation services.