TWOC teen slammed for his 'outrageous' behaviour

17-year-old disqualified driver admits taking MU van without permission

A teenager from Port Erin will be sentenced later this year for his ‘outrageous’ behaviour which saw him involved in a police ‘stinger’ operation.

Callum Collister, of Fairy Hill Close, appeared at Douglas Courthouse on 11 July where he admitted driving whilst disqualified.

The 17-year-old also pleaded guilty to taking a Manx Utilities van, from Mount Gawne Road in Colby, without the owner’s consent on the afternoon of 24 June.

It was reported to the police who were able to locate it in Kirk Michael due to the tracking device installed in it.

Officers followed the vehicle through to Sulby noting it was frequently travelling over the speed limit.

Just before 5pm specially trained pursuit officers used the tactical tyre deflating device to bring the van to a stop; as a result it collided with another vehicle and ended up in the hedgerow.

Collister was arrested at the scene and later told officers: “This is because I’ve had a load of vallies (Valium).”

Summary jurisdiction was declined meaning the teen, who is already the subject of a combination order which was imposed in May, will be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Addressing Collister in the dock Magistrates told him: “This is just outrageous really. It’s just getting worse and worse and worse.”

Agreeing to order an updated social enquiry report they added: "We can find out what on earth is behind all of this."

Collister was bailed until his first appearance before the Court of General Gaol Delivery on 6 September with magistrates warning him: “You are not to drive. Three simple words – not, to, drive.”

Following the incident in June the Isle of Man Constabulary told Manx Radio it won't stop targeting juveniles who are taking vehicles without consent saying the youngsters don’t realise how dangerous their actions could be.

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