A 22-year-old man has admitted driving while he was disqualified and while he is the subject of three active suspended sentences.

Thomas Daniel Richards, of Ballabrooie, Sulby, also pleaded guilty to driving with no insurance and will be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on October 23.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that an off-duty police officer spotted Richards driving through Jurby industrial estate on September 1 at 4.32pm.

The officer knew Richards was disqualified from driving and reported the matter.

Richards was arrested on September 13 and the court heard that he is banned from driving until November 2021.

It was said that the offence puts him in breach of three suspended sentences to which he is currently subject.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes declined jurisdiction saying that her maximum sentencing powers for the offence, of six months custody, were not sufficient.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers offered mitigation, saying that Richards had a unit on Jurby industrial estate and had thought that it was not classed as a public road.

’He said he has seen numerous vehicles on that road, including a tank with no number plate on, so he thought it was ok. He didn’t think it was a public place.’

Mr Rodgers asked for a probation report with input from mental health services to be prepared before sentencing.

Mrs Hughes said that Richards has a substantial number of previous convictions for driving while disqualified.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with a condition not to drive and not leave the island without court permission.