A motorist who admitted a charge of driving while disqualified has had the charge withdrawn.

Further investigation by the court had found that Rajul Alam, of Mona Street, Douglas, was banned only from driving in the UK, not the Isle of Man.

The court heard that under the reciprocal agreement, disqualifications imposed in the UK only apply in the island if they are for imposed for an individual offence and not if they are imposed under the totting up process.

The charge was withdrawn when he appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Tuesday.

However, Alam was fined £400 for driving without insurance and damaging a police cell.

arrested

Alam was arrested while driving at Ronaldsway airport on June 10.

He then damaged a police cell by throwing pieces of paper towel at a camera and smearing it.

Advocate Peter Taylor said his client had been stopped by police on two previous occasions and allowed to carry on driving.

The advocate said that there was insurance in place but it could not be proven that it was valid if Alam had no licence.

In relation to the property damage charge, Mr Taylor said that it was arguable whether police would have detained Alam if he had only been charged with not having a valid licence.

lawful

’Was the detention lawful? The matter has dragged on for some time and Mr Alam is anxious to get things done.’

Mr Taylor asked the court to take into account that Alam had spent two nights in custody, one for the offences, and one for breaching bail, as well as three nights for fraud allegations which were also previously withdrawn.

’He has certainly had quite a restraint put on him for what now is a minor criminal damage and a no insurance matter,’ said Mr Taylor.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Alam: ’You should have checked you were insured to drive the vehicle. The duty is on you to make the appropriate enquiries.’

Alam was also ordered to pay £150 compensation for the cleaning of the cell.

In respect of the withdrawn charges, legal costs of £3,699 are to be paid from central funds, subject to being assessed by the cost assessor.