A teenage ’R’ plate driver who sent a postal admission for a careless driving offence will be ordered to attend court.

Freddie Ralston overtook an off-duty police officer causing them to take evasive action due to a parked car on the opposite side of the road.

The 18-year-old already has six points on his licence and magistrates ruled that, as there is a possibility of him being disqualified under the totting up process, he must attend court.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court how the off-duty officer was driving on Main Road in Foxdale on September 7 at 6pm while Ralston was travelling behind them in his Volkswagen Golf.

The officer said that the Golf was close behind her and revving its engine louder than normal.

The two vehicles continued onto the Ballamodha straight with Ralston behind and the officer describing his driving as ’impatient’ as he stuck close behind her.

She said that she felt unsafe due to his driving as they reached a derestricted area where a stationary vehicle was parked in front of them.

The officer indicated to move past the parked car, but as she did, Ralston’s Golf pulled level with her rear passenger window as he revved its engine loudly again.

She had to take evasive action as Ralston drove past and she then reported the matter.

Ralston, who lives at Alexander Drive in Douglas, was interviewed on September 19 and admitted the offence but said he had thought he could safely overtake and had sped up when he realised he couldn’t.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions but two fixed penalty notices which had resulted in six points on his licence.

He is also subject to ’R’ plates until November 24.

In written mitigation sent to the court Ralston apologised for his driving and said that he worked for the government as a mechanic dealing with buses and ambulances, attending breakdowns.

Magistrates’ chair David Craine said that the normal number of points for the offence would be six which would result in a disqualification.

However, a defendant must be present in court to be given a disqualification.

The case was adjourned until November 18.