A teenager who tried to get into a taxi which was already taken has been fined £250.

Goran Lukasz Gasinski, of Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, who appeared before magistrates this week, admitted an offence of being drunk and disorderly which replaced a previous one of common assault.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain said the case was very much a case of ’too much alcohol in, sense out’.

Mr Swain told the court that police were on patrol on Douglas promenade on September 27 when they saw Gasinski, who is 19, opening a taxi door at traffic lights.

He then got into a tussle with a male passenger as he tried to get into the car.

There was a brief struggle but Gasinski made off when he saw police.

He was caught on Broadway and was said to be unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and had glazed eyes.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’Unfortunately the danger of too much drink can be that you think everyone’s your friend. You see a taxi stopped at lights and think it’s OK to open the door and hop in.

’There was a brief incident as a result of my client’s drunken behaviour. He would like to apologise to the other people.

’He was 18 at the time and not particularly used to drinking.

’Mr Gasinski tells me he has moderated his drinking somewhat since.’

The court heard that Gasinski has no previous convictions.

Magistrates ordered the teenager to pay the fine at a rate of £50 per week.