Teen told 'always check the paperwork' after driving without insurance

18-year-old crashed in bad weather

A teenager from Ramsey has been fined £1,000 after crashing a car she wasn’t insured to drive.

Abigail Mcgovern, of Close Thunnag, hit a telegraph pole – causing extensive damage - at Sandygate in Jurby on 19 August.

At Douglas Courthouse the 18-year-old admitted driving without due care and attention and having no insurance.

The court heard she’d told police she’d lost control of the Ford Fiesta, at 9.15pm, due to her speed and the weather – checks showed the vehicle was registered to the passenger within it.

Mcgovern’s advocate said she’d offered to drive due to the amount of alcohol consumed by the owner of the car and believed she could do so under her fully comprehensive insurance policy.

However it was later discovered that her insurer did not cover her to drive any other vehicles due to her age.

Ordering Mcgovern to pay £50 in prosecution costs Magistrates told her: “It’s up to you to make sure the insurance you have covers you. Always check the paperwork!”

They also endorsed the teenager’s driving licence with six penalty points.