The unsuccessful Liberal Vannin candidate for Garff in the recent general election has been put on a year's probation after pleading guilty to motoring offences.

Nigel Dobson, of the Liverpool Arms, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jane Hughes today (Friday).

The 58-year-old was banned from driving in June 2009, and was stopped at the Sea Terminal by police in September this year, shortly before the election.

He told police had only had a provisional licence and hadn't retaken his test since being banned.

Dobson's advocate Peter Russell told the court his client had made a full and frank admission to officers and hadn't fully understood his driving ban.

He said the ban was costing Dobson ?1,000 a month in taxis to run his businesses, and asked the court not to impose a new ban.

Mrs Hughes did impose a driving ban for three months and ordered him to retake his test.

She also sentenced him to one year's probation, and told him it was a direct alternative to serving 60 days in jail.

Dobson was also fined ?500 for driving without insurance, with ?50 costs.