Isle of Man TT 2019: Fan from Vanuatu given course crossing fine

Image source, Steve Babb

Image caption, Hillberry Green is close to the finishing line of the Mountain Course

A motorsport fan who travelled halfway across the world to see the Isle of Man TT races has been fined for walking across the course during practice.

Polino Khoroshko, from Port Vila in Vanuatu, was arrested at Hillberry Green after crossing during the second practice session on Tuesday.

Douglas courthouse was told she had broken a road closure order.

The 35-year-old, who the court heard had not been drinking and was very apologetic, was fined 拢1,500.

The hearing was told Ms Khoroshko was camping on the island, having travelled nearly 10,000 miles (16,000km) to watch the event.

Image source, Steve Babb

Image caption, Practice for the annual event began on Sunday

It is illegal to enter the roads used for the TT during all practice sessions and the offical races, which begin on 1 June.

Hillberry Green is on the finishing straight of the 37.75-mile (60.7km) Mountain Course, at a point where riders can reach speeds of about 160 mph (260 km/h).

Practice for the annual event began on Sunday, after Saturday's session was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Speaking after the hearing, an Isle of Man Police spokesman said anyone who broke the road closure orders during the event would be "dealt with robustly".