MGP rider fined for not having motorbike licence

Magistrates describe newcomer's mistake as 'almost unbelievable'

A Manx Grand Prix newcomer has been fined £650 after being caught riding his motorbike on open roads despite having never passed a bike test.

Frankie Stennett, of Meadow Crescent in Douglas, was stopped by police on the A3 Mountain Road, at Sulby Bridge, on 9 July.

He’d been clocked travelling at 45mph in a 40mph zone and was handed a Fixed Penalty Notice for speeding – later that day he called officers to admit he had no licence and no insurance.

The prosecutor told the court it had been a ‘moment of madness’ and the 28-year-old – who does have a driving licence - had ‘panicked’.

“You confessed, you were quick to do so and you were very frank” – Magistrates  

At Douglas Courthouse today (1 September) Stennett admitted both offences – his advocate revealed his client’s ‘dream job’ with a Formula 1 team was at ‘risk’ adding: “He is deeply regretful for his actions.”

He told the court whilst Stennett was ‘competent’ in riding bikes he hadn’t undergone the required test for the roads adding: “Unfortunately he’s not got round to passing his bike test.”

Fining Stennett – who made his Manx Grand Prix debut last month – magistrates told him: “Amazing job, amazing driving but no licence! It’s almost unbelievable to hear.”

Acknowledging his mistake Stennett replied: “Ridiculous!”.

Endorsing his driving licence with four penalty points they also ordered Stennett to pay £50 in prosecution costs telling him: “We hope this is a constant reminder to do the right thing. Go … and be good!”.