A convicted drink-driver has won back his licence early.

Robert Edward Henry Todd, of Alberta Drive, Onchan, was banned from driving for three years in March 2016 after he crashed his car into a wall while drunk.

After completing two thirds of the ban the 30-year-old is allowed to apply for his licence to be restored early but still must retake his test before he can drive again.

Prosecutor James Robinson opposed the application, saying Todd had been more than double the legal limit, there was a crash and he had left the scene.

He told the court how, at 10.25pm on February 28, 2016, police were called to the junction of Belgravia and Bay View Road after a report of an accident.

Police found a BMW crashed through a wall, partially on a property, and unattended. Officers went to Todd’s home and were told he was at another address where they located him.

pints

Todd told police he was the driver and had drunk seven or eight pints that evening.

He failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 82 - the legal limit is 35.

Jim Travers, who represented Todd, handed in character references for his client and said: ’This is an extremely worthy and selfless application. It doesn’t mean he would be immediately entitled to return to the roads. He would have to apply for an extended test. The main thrust is aimed at assisting and supporting his daughter.’

Mr Travers said Todd’s daughter was seven years old and he was separated from her mother.

’All of the financial penalty, £1,500, was disposed of on time,’ said the advocate. ’The damaged wall was paid for by Mr Todd’s insurance. He made a full and frank apology.

’That is the conduct he should be judged on. His licence is due back in just under a year. In allowing a restoration, Mr Todd can be there for his daughter in a meaningful way over the coming months.’

Todd can drive on a provisional licence but must retake his test and complete a drink-drive rehabilitation course before obtaining a full licence.