TT 2018: Spectator jailed for tresspassing on course

A spectator has been jailed after trespassing on the closed TT course ahead of Monday night’s practice.

Yesterday evening’s practice sessions were delayed by about 20 minutes after reports of a spectator crossing the track at Crosby. He then rowed with marshals and refused to move from his position.

He was tracked down by police and arrested before facing the Deputy High Bailiff in court this afternoon.

James William Ford, 67, of Bingley, admitted to obstructing racing and failing to comply with marshals, becoming the first person prosecuted under the island’s 2016 Road Races Act.

It’s understood Ford became aggressive when asked to move by marshals, who then put him on the phone to the Clerk of the Course who told him “I’m not moving. If you send police you’d better make sure they’re big lads.”

He was sentenced to four weeks in custody and handed an exclusion order banning him from the island for five years.