A ’R’ plate driver has been fined £250 after a retired police inspector spotted him exceeding the 50mph ’R’ plate limit driving over the mountain.

Jarred Matthew Baxter Ingham, of Top Road, Crosby, also had his ’R’ plate period extended by two years after admitting the offence.

The 18-year-old also had his licence endorsed with three penalty points.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that, on March 15, the retired inspector was driving behind Ingham’s Ford Fiesta on the A18 Mountain Road.

He reported seeing the Fiesta accelerate after the hairpin then at the 26th milestone, pass two cars.

The Fiesta stopped at the Bungalow and the former inspector pulled alongside and told Ingham to wait for the police as he had reported his speed.

Ingham said that his vehicle had keys which had been enabled by the garage to not let his car go above 80mph.

When interviewed by police Ingham handed in a prepared statement denying that he had driven above 50mph. He said that when he went above 50mph his car was set to make a ’pinging’ sound and that he had not heard it.

Passengers in his car were asked to give statements regarding the ’pinging’ but refused.

Ms Cubbon said that it was accepted that the maximum speed Ingham could have reached was 80mph.

Defence advocate Jim Travers handed in references on behalf of his client.

In September last year Ingham was fined £560 and banned for four months after driving at 96mph in a 40mph zone.Mr Travers said: ’Unfortunately this is the second time in the past year or so. Mr Ingham is a pleasant and personable young man who has made a second mistake behind the wheel.’

The advocate added that Ingham was a student at the Isle of Man College who hoped to go to university.

’I would submit this is not as serious as the previous transgression and therefore urge leniency when considering any ’R’ plate extension or disqualification. He was extremely co-operative and remained at the scene having been approached by, as far as he was concerned, a member of the public. He waited for the police.’

Magistrates also ordered Ingham to pay £50 prosecution costs. He was given two months to pay the fine and costs.