A taxi driver has been fined £1,590 after a row over him parking untaxed vehicles at his address.

Martin Conde Robert Moore admitted nine counts of having no vehicle licence and two of failing to change a vehicle ownership.

Neighbours had complained about Moore’s untaxed cars being parked at Port-e-Chee Avenue in Douglas, but when police spoke to him he said: ‘The more the neighbours complain, the more vehicles will pitch up here.’

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane made an application for an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to be issued to Moore.

But Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks said that, while he was satisfied that the initial requirement for an ASBO, that harassment, alarm or distress had been caused, was met, he would not issue one.

Mr Brooks said that he hoped that the fact that Moore, who has stood unsuccessfully for election to the House of Keys, had been compliant and helpful in relation to the more recent offences, was the beginning of a change in his attitude.

Prosecutor Mr Kane told the court that police went to Port-e-Chee Avenue on August 17 last year after a complaint that a number of unlicensed vehicles were parked there.

Four were found untaxed and they were subsequently seized by police.

Moore, who is 43, told officers: ‘The more the neighbours complain, the more vehicles will pitch up here.’

Mr Kane said that Moore was a nuisance in the area, clogging up the avenue and stress was being caused with the dumping of untaxed vehicles.

seized

On January 25 police were again at the location and this time seized five untaxed vehicles.

This time Moore said that a number of the vehicles were due to go to private land but there had been a hold up.

Two of the vehicles seized were the same ones from the previous seizure in August.

Moore was said to have been polite and co-operative.

However, Mr Kane said: ‘It’s becoming a recurring theme for the police being called out by neighbours.

‘The police then have to get the call out vehicle to take the cars.

‘It’s a waste of time and police resources. Then Mr Moore goes and pays to get them out of the pound.

‘He clearly recognises the nuisance he is causing, with his comment.

‘Clearly it’s a nuisance. Police are left scratching their heads as to what they can do with Mr Moore. It isn’t just a waste of police time, it’s causing actual distress to neighbours.’

Mr Kane said that a deprivation order for the cars to be forfeited had even been discussed with Moore’s previous advocate, but the prosecutor had deemed that inappropriate at this point.

A neighbour’s statement said that at one point there were 10 vehicles belonging to Moore parked in the location and that when he spoke to the cabbie he had said: ‘I can park where I want.’

Defence advocate Peter Taylor argued against the ASBO, saying there had been no statements from emergency services or refuse collectors in relation to the cars causing problems.

‘I don’t think we’re anywhere near satisfying the requirement for an ASBO,’ said the advocate.

Mr Taylor said that it was strange that the August charges had not been brought until January and that his client was looking for private premises to get the vehicles off the road.

‘It almost smacks that the residents are seeking to get an injunction. They could go to the civil courts. They’re coming by the back door.’

Mr Taylor said that his client had recently paid £500 in relation to a fines warrant which had been issued.

‘He has had difficulties during Covid keeping his business going,’ said the advocate.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks asked Moore why he had so many cars and he replied that he was looking to expand his business.

Moore was fined £150 for each of nine counts of having no vehicle licence and £120 for each of the two counts of failing to change ownership.

He must also pay £50 prosecution costs.