Banned driver denies dangerous driving

A banned driver accused of leading police on a high-speed chase told police officers they’d mistaken him for his brother.

Leo Craig Dale of Marathon Road in Douglas appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

The 32-year-old denies dangerous driving, obstructing police and having no licence or insurance on May 19 last year.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court police were called by motorists about a Renault Clio swerving from side to side on the New Castletown Road at around 9.30pm.

They spotted the car on Anagh Coar Road but the driver sped off at speeds of up to 60mph, going the wrong way down a one-way street.

When Mr Dale was later arrested, he denied any wrongdoing saying his brother - who resembled him - had been driving at the time.

Magistrates bailed him in the sum of £500 and he’ll appear in court again on March 17 for a pre-trial review hearing.