Farmer fined after causing crash in 'unroadworthy' van

A farmer has admitted causing a crash as he drove an unroadworthy van.

David John Cooil of Ballagawne Road in Castletown pleaded guilty by post to driving without due care and attention and having a dangerous vehicle when his case was called by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the hearing the 40 year old farmer was at the wheel of a Ford Transit van when he hit a woman in a Suzuki as he turned off Ballafesson Road in Port Erin.

When a vehicle examiner looked at the vehicle later, they found the van had broken lights, bald tires, worn pedals, missing wheel arches and damaged bumpers.

Cooil told police it was a farm van which had been attacked by bulls but he hadn’t realised it was in a dangerous condition.

Mrs Hughes fined him a total of £550 and ordered him to pay £50 costs as well as putting six penalty points on his licence.