Teenager jailed for string of offences

Sentenced at Douglas Courthouse

A man from Sulby has been jailed for a string of 14 drink, drug and driving offences.

Thomas Daniel Richards, from the Ballabrooie Estate, was handed the sentence at Douglas Courthouse earlier (Thu).

The 18 year-old's nine week crime spree began in March, when he was arrested for being unfit behind the wheel of a car in Sulby.

Police found a large quantity of cannabis, as well as MDMA and cocaine, in his possession.

Then, on 21 May, Richards was found badly injured in Ramsey, having tried to assault a man in a pub before breaking a shop window with his arm.

A fortnight later, still on bail, he purchased a vehicle, only to crash and abandon it in Laxey hours later.

The court today heard how he had suffered mental issues spurred on by a 'traumatic' childhood, and had been misusing drugs since the age of nine.

But, sentencing him to a total of two years and nine months in prison, Deemster Alistair Montgomerie praised his 'remarkable turnaround' since entering custody - and encouraged him to make a fresh start with his life.