October sentence for Douglas man who drove dangerously on Battery Pier

20-year-old caught on video driving with person on bonnet and another on roof

A Douglas man will be sentenced next month after admitting dangerous driving.

Dillon Ricky Brown, of Somerset Road, was caught on video by a member of the public driving a blue Land Rover Discovery on Battery Pier at 9:05pm on 14 May.

The footage showed a person lying on the car's roof and another on the bonnet whilst the vehicle was in motion.

In interview, the 20-year-old told police he drove 'as he thought they would get off' and argued it was 'the least dangerous of the [stuff] that happens' in the area.

His advocate confirmed those on the car were friends of Brown's; and described all of those involved as 'acting like idiots'.

He added that the then-teenager had bowed to 'peer pressure' and did not 'appreciate the consequences of driving in that manner'.

During an appearance at Douglas Courthouse, Brown pleaded guilty to the offence.

In deciding a venue for sentence, the prosecution argued Brown should be dealt with in the Court of General Gaol Delivery, describing the incident as 'a deliberate and dangerous decision to ignore the rules of the road'.

But Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood retained jurisdiction, saying his 'friends have voluntarily put themselves in that position' and argued it showed 'stupidity rather than any real malice'.

A social enquiry report will be prepared before Brown's next court appearance on 21 October.