A man who was released from prison early appeared in court this week via video link from police headquarters after cutting of an electronic tagging device he had agreed to wear.

Christopher Christian, of Lord Street, Douglas, was released on licence on July 14 after serving nine months of a 22-month sentence imposed in October 2019.

As part of his early release agreement he was required to wear the tracker device, said to cost £3,500, around his ankle.

The 35-year-old admitted breaching his licence conditions by cutting off the device.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court how police were at Christian’s Lord Street address at around midnight on August 2 dealing with a separate matter.

The tag was found in the property but Christian was gone.

The following day he presented himself at police headquarters and when interviewed handed in a prepared statement saying that he had been out for his mother’s birthday with his girlfriend.

He said he had been given permission by probation officers to stay out later than his curfew.

Christian said when he had arrived home there had been issues with his mother so he had gone to stay at his girlfriend’s home.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough asked that the case be adjourned to establish if the electronic device had been damaged or if it was just the ankle bracelet attaching it.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes adjourned the case until today (August 6) to allow time for that to be clarified.

No bail application was made and he is remanded in custody.