Ban for classic TT visitor after he failed to provide breath sample

61-year-old Italian was also riding without a helmet

A Classic TT visitor has been fined £1,650 and banned from the road after being caught riding his motorbike without a helmet and then failing to provide a breath sample.

Paolo Carnevali, of Pesaro, Italy, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse today (2 September) after admitting the offences.

Police spotted the 61-year-old riding his BMW motorbike at 1:06am on 29 August on Ballahutchin Hill in Union Mills.

He was said to be weaving from one side of the carriageway to the other, and was not wearing protective headgear.

Once stopped, he fell sideways off his bike, leading officers to arrest him on suspicion of drink driving.

At Police Headquarters he made 10 attempts to give breath samples - all of which failed.

Later that morning, whilst being booked for the offences, he fainted three times, and was taken to Noble's Hospital after hitting his head during one of the falls.

Carnevali's advocate attributed his fainting to the stress of the situation, as he is a retired police officer with a 'distinguished career', who has 'ultimately found himself foul [of the law]'.

The court heard that the former officer was awarded the 'City of Pesaro's Applause' by his hometown's mayor earlier this year for his actions in preventing a suicide attempt in July last year.

Carnevali's advocate told the court his client's actions on the Isle of Man were out of the ordinary for him; leaving him 'deeply embarrassed'.

Fining Carnevali £1,650 and banning him from the road for five years; Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told him: "This could have ended very seriously.

"It seems extremely surprising that a man of your age, with a career as a police officer behind you, with no previous convictions, has acted in this manner."

She added: "I do accept your remorse as being genuine and that you deeply regret your actions on that day. I note your distinguished career as a police officer.

"All of that makes it even more disappointing that you found yourself in this position today."

Carnevali was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £125, and he'll have to take and pass an extended driving test on the Isle of Man.