Man denies dangerous driving after passing undercover police

58-year-old appeared at Douglas courthouse

An Andreas man’s denied dangerous driving after off-duty police officers said he’d overtaken them and other vehicles just before a blind bend.

Fifty-eight-year-old Ian Hodgett of Larivane Meadows appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas courthouse.

He denies dangerous driving in his Ford Ranger on the TT course at Barregarrow on 16 August last year.

Prosecution advocate James Robinson told the court a number of cars had been heading north when Hodgett approached from behind.

The hearing was told Hodgett overtook the two police officers – one of whom said it was the worst driving they’d ever witnessed.

Shortly afterwards, Hodgett is said to have overtaken a number of other vehicles at between 60 and 70 mph.

The court heard a car behind him was forced to brake sharply when a white Transit van appeared and Hodgett pulled in to avoid a head-on crash.

The case was adjourned until 24 June, when he’ll appear in court again at a pre-trial review.