An unqualified motorist who got his car stuck on a grass verge as he tried to flee police has appeared in court.

Thomas James McBurnie, of Cronk y Berry, Douglas, was convicted of seven driving-related offences.

McBurnie, aged 21, admitted failing to stop for police, careless driving, two counts of having no driving licence, two counts of having no insurance, and one of failing to provide a urine sample.

He will be sentenced on July 4 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told magistrates that, on April 27 at 8.50pm, officers saw McBurnie parked in a Mazda at a petrol station in Port Erin.

Police checks confirmed that he held no valid driving licence.

They followed McBurnie with their lights on but he did not stop.

Police then put on their sirens but McBurnie only increased his speed as he drove onto Bay View Road.

Arrested

He went through a stop sign and police decided not to pursue him as it was deemed to be dangerous.

On May 7 police saw McBurnie’s Mazda this time in Laxey.

McBurnie tried to reverse the car when he saw the police but went onto a grass verge, where the vehicle got stuck.

He was subsequently arrested.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs but at police headquarters failed to provide a urine sample.

When interviewed by officers Mc Burnie remained silent throughout all questions.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing.

Bail was granted with a condition to contact probation.