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Court refuses to lift ban on man who crashed car with child passenger

He was handed six-year drink-driving ban in 2015

A court's refused to grant an immediate end to a Douglas man's drink-driving ban after hearing he crashed his car with a child inside.

Forty-eight-year-old Alan Edward Bell of Christian Road appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

He applied to the court for the his licence to be restored after a six-year ban imposed in 2015.

Prosecution advocate Barry Swain told the court witnesses saw Bell driving at up to 70mph along Breakwater Road in Port Erin at 2pm on 7 June in 2015.

Bell crashed into a wall with an 11-year-old-boy in the passenger seat before getting out to inspect the damage and then driving off.

He was later arrested and a breath test at police headquarters showed he was almost three times over the limit.

Defence advocate Steve Wood said his client had significant difficulties at the time, marked by a number of convictions - but had now overcome them and wanted to be able to drive again.

Magistrates said given the seriousness of his crime, they wouldn't grant him his licence immediately.

However, they said he would be able to apply for a provisional licence on 1 January, effectively cutting his ban by six months.

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