A MOTORIST who adapted his vehicle's silencer to increase the noise as he drove has been hit with a £884 court bill.

James Michael Coates, 41, of Chadwyck Close, Porlock, was found guilty in his absence of the offence during a hearing at Taunton Magistrates' Courts yesterday (Tuesday, January 10).

The court was told the offence was committed at Willstock Way, North Petherton, on November 20, 2021.

The full charge was of using a vehicle fitted with a silencer which had been altered so as to increase the noise made by escape of exhaust gases.

Coates was handed a fine of £440 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44 along with £400 Crown Prosecution Services costs.

He has been told he must pay the fees by February 7.