Jet ski Romeo who crossed Irish Sea to see girlfriend banned from the Isle of Man

Lovesick Dale McLaughlan (28) made the headlines after he took off on a dangerous mission to see his sweetheart on a jet ski from Scotland.

He had first met his partner on a night out in September after he was granted permission to legally spend four weeks working on the island as a roofer.

McLaughlan tried to go back to the island to visit his sweetheart Jessica Radcliffe (30) after returning to the mainland, but was denied permission by the authorities.

So, he took matters into his own hands and bought a jet ski before setting off on a four-and-a-half-hour trip to visit her, despite never having ridden a water scooter before and being unable to swim.

A court heard McLaughlan had saved up to buy the jet ski and towed it 70 miles from his home in Irvine, North Ayrshire to a beach on the Isle of Whithorn.

He had expected the 25-mile trip to take 40 minutes but due to bad weather it took him four-and-a-half-hours.

Despite his ordeal the romantic roofer then walked 15 miles to his girlfriend’s home but was arrested after being stopped the following night during a night of drinking in Douglas.

When police arrived at Miss Radcliffe's house the next day it became clear he actually lived in Scotland and had breached local Covid-19 laws.

McLaughlan admitted arriving unlawfully and breaching Covid-19 laws that state non-residents can only enter if they are given special permission.

The young dad was arrested and sent to jail for four weeks for breaking the island's strict Covid rules but was later released three days early in time for Christmas.

Jessica has claimed McLaughlan was due to return to the island on 11 January to carry out further roofing work.

However, it has been confirmed that no entry certificate has been issued to allow him back on the Isle of Man.

His original exception certificate, covered from September 13 to October 2, clearly stated he had to self-isolate at all times outside of work and only travel to authorised locations - his place of work and accommodation - for 14 days following his arrival.

Dale was released from prison on December 23 but was sent straight home to Scotland without being reunited with Jessica.

After his grand gesture, Jessica revealed she would tie the knot with Dale if he proposes.

The mum-of-two explained: “I’ve had messages from all over the world.

“People from Italy have sent pictures of jet skis saying, ‘This is for your boyfriend, showing our support.’

“People from Ireland have said, ‘What he did is heroic. You should marry that man.'

“If he asks me, I’ll say yes. It’s definitely a story to tell our grandkids.”