Get the latest news from Manx.News

DEFA issues byelaws warning following McCanney prosecution

Mon, 16 Sep 2019

The Departnment of Environment, Food and Agriculture is asking the public to abide by the Island's byelaws which prevent damage and disturbance to wildlife.

It comes after Enduro star Jamie McCanney was prosecuted for riding a motorcycle in one of the Island's forests.

In a statement released today, Geoffrey Boot is quoted saying: 'this prosecution helps to highlight that it is an offence to ride motorcycles in woodlands or on open hill land without permission.'

McCanney, who is a professional Enduro motorcycle rider, appeared in court on 12 September.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, which occured 15 June in Kings Forest, Greeba.

The motorcyclist had already been issued a six-month ban from the Auto Cycle Union, which banned him from all local competitions.

He was also given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £50 for court costs.

The court heard that Mr McCanney was the only rider who stopped to speak to a DEFA Ranger, saying that he'd entered the area with others to practise motorbiking, and that he was not aware of the byelaws, even though there was clear signage indicating vehicles were not permitted.

 

 

---