Spectator who held up TT practice jailed for a month

A Yorkshireman who held up last night's Isle of Man TT practice has been jailed for four weeks and banned from the island for five years.

James Ford, from Bingley in Yorkshire, entered the road near at Crosby, causing Monday's session to be delayed for 80 riders.

The 67-year-old admitted obstructing the conduct of a race and failing to comply with a requirement of a marshal. He was sentenced to four weeks in jail and Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also imposed an exclusion order meaning Ford will be banned from entering the Isle of Man for five years following his release.

Organisers had to hold 80 riders at the start line in Douglas for about 20 minutes until Ford was removed from the track by police.

Sgt Andrew Reed said: "To suddenly come on to a pedestrian walking along the road would have catastrophic outcomes, not only for the person illegally on closed roads and the rider, but for other spectators."