Man crashed van into Laxey level crossing whilst high

Banned from driving for five years

A court's heard a Douglas man tested positive for cannabis after crashing into warning lights at a level crossing in Laxey while his son was in his van.

Thirty-four-year-old Shawn Martin Arthur, of Governors Hill, appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and driving whilst unfit through drugs.

Prosecution advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the hearing police were called after Arthur lost control of his red VW Transporter and crashed on 30 May.

When officers arrived Arthur was obviously high and when he asked to say goodbye to his son he tried to hide cannabis worth £20.

He was arrested and taken to police headquarters where blood tests showed he had drugs in his system.

His advocate told the court his client was ashamed of his actions and had paid the Department of Infrastructure £3,500 for the damage he'd caused.

He was ordered to do 240 hours of community service and banned from getting behind the wheel for five years.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £50 in costs and £350 compensation.