A TT fan from Northern Ireland has been fined £1,000 for crossing Glencrutchery Road while the road was closed.

Glenn Victor Watt, of Coolmaghry Road, Donaghmore, Dungannon, told police he thought the rules were the same as at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, saying spectators are allowed to cross if there is no racing.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Watt: ’What on earth you thought the barrier was across the road for I don’t know. ’There seems to be an awful lot of people this year who seem to see fit to wander onto closed roads.’

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood told the court that Watt, 43, and his 17-year-old son were seen crossing the road at Glencrutchery Road at 10.55am on Monday (June 3).

They were said to have moved a barrier and crossed at Park Avenue.

The delayed Superbike race started at 11.05am.

The pair were detained by marshals until police arrived. Watt’s son was said to have been dealt with by way of a caution. When interviewed, Watt told police he had not realised you could not cross prior to the race starting as he said this was allowed at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

Defence advocate Winston Taylor said: ’There was a barrier across Park Avenue. No marshals were there and there was a gap to the side. Mr Watt said he approached what he presumed to be a spectator and was told he could cross.

’At the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix he says spectators are allowed to cross the road if there is no racing. He said he didn’t move the barrier. He was halfway across the road when a marshal shouted at him.’

The advocate added: ’He makes no excuses for his lack of understanding of the Isle of Man provisions. He accepts he was in the wrong.’

Watt was fined £1,000 after admitting contravening the Road Races Act 2016.

Mrs Hughes ordered him to pay the fine, plus prosecution costs of £125, forthwith or face 60 days in jail.