Two people from London have been fined after twice entering closed roads during the Manx Grand Prix.
Russell Gray, 66, and Yeescian Chin, 64, were both sentenced by Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood.
Prosecutor Barry Swain said that during the racing at about 6.10pm on Monday August 26 the sector marshal at Ballacraine Crossroads saw the two walking towards him from the direction of St Johns.
They were told they could not be on the roads during the races and escorted them off the road to the rear of a property where others were watching the racing.
After the racing finished, but before the roads had opened, they were seen again entering the closed section and, despite being told by a marshal the roads were still closed, they tried to walk towards St Johns.
They were then stopped by marshals and arrested by the Police.
Ms Chin later told officers she knew the roads were still closed bye she thought it was “safe enough”.
First Visit
Defence advocate Peter Taylor said it was the first time his clients, who sailed to the island, had attended the races.
Mr Taylor said they did not know that pedestrians could not walk on the side of the road, even when the races were ongoing and explained that they had managed to get through due to a gap in the fencing.
He said after the racing finished and this was relayed over the tannoy, they decided to leave by the way they came.
Mr Taylor added that his clients had made a “costly mistake”.
‘Baffling’
Sentencing the pair, Ms Braidwood said: “I find it absolutely baffling, while marshals were around, that you went back out onto closed roads.”
She told them that the roads are closed for both the safety or competitors and spectators, but did acknowledge that they had not on the course itself, rather on a closed section around it.
Ms Braidwood fined them £1,400 plus costs of £125 which must be paid before they are allowed to leave the island.
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