A driver who was involved in an accident then altered the date on his insurance certificate has been sentenced to community service.

Grant William Thomson pleaded guilty to altering an insurance certificate with intent to deceive as well as careless driving and having no insurance.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks ordered the 24-year-old mechanic to do 50 hours of unpaid work.

His driving licence was also endorsed with eight penalty points.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that Thomson, who lives at Bay ny Carrickey in Port St Mary, was driving a Vauxhall Astra along Braaid Road onto St Mark’s Road on August 1 at 11.50pm.

He should have given way at Braaid roundabout but failed to do so and collided with another car.

Both vehicles were damaged and deemed unroadworthy.

Police gave Thomson five days to produce his driving documents which he did.

Thomson showed police an insurance certificate which had a commencement date of June 2 and expired in June 2022.

However, officers noticed that the date appeared to have been typed in a different font to the rest of the certificate.

Police checked with the insurance company. which told them that the certificate on their records showed a start date of August 3 and confirmed that Thomson had contacted them on that day for a quote.

Thomson attended a voluntary interview at police headquarters and claimed that his driving had been ’good’ but admitted that he could not see past a small wall at the roundabout.

When quizzed about the insurance, he claimed he had bought the Astra in July and denied altering the certificate.

Thomson said he had contacted the insurer on August 3 but claimed that it was not for a quote.

The court heard that he has a previous conviction for driving while unfit in 2016.

Ms Braidwood submitted that the case was suitable to remain in summary court for sentencing.

A probation report said that Thomson was working as a mechanic having completed an apprenticeship.

The report said that his employer was supporting him and that he had represented the island in motorsports on a number of occasions.

Thomson was said to have completed community service previously and even done more hours than was required as he had tried to be helpful.

In relation to the certificate, he told probation that he had ’panicked and been a complete idiot’.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said that his client had no previous convictions for dishonesty offences and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity in court.

Mr Wood pointed out that there was a low wall which obscures vision to the right at the scene of the accident and that his client had checked but had not seen the other vehicle coming.

Of the forgery, the advocate said: ’Talk about a half-baked idea. It was absolute madness and not a significant serious attempt to try to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes.’

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks told Thomson: ’I accept you probably did panic but you were given plenty of opportunities to admit it and didn’t.’

Thomson was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs by December 31.