A 33-year-old man has been jailed for 12 weeks after admitting riding a motorbike while he was more than four times over the drink-drive limit.

Rhys Allan Manning, whose last address in the island was Spectrum Apartments, Central Promenade, Douglas, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was disqualified from driving for five years with an order to retake his test and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

A breathalyser test produced a reading of 149 - the legal limit is 35.

Manning has already served almost six weeks on remand so he will be released shortly.

We previously reported how, on February 28 at 11.55pm, police were on patrol near Tesco in Lake Road, Douglas, when they heard an alarm sounding.

They found Manning sitting on the pavement beside his bike which had fallen over, causing the alarm to go off.

He was said to be smelling of alcohol, had glazed eyes and was swaying from side to side when he stood.

He had the ignition keys in his hand and was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

He told police: ’I completely understand. I’m just having a bad guy having a bad night. I respect the fact I’ve done something serious.’

After failing the breathalyser test at police headquarters Manning admitted he had ridden from the Bridge pub to Tesco and at the time he was intoxicated.

CCTV footage showed him park his bike near to the Bridge pub and enter. It later showed him leave the pub and ride his bike to Tesco.

When shown the footage Manning said: ’It must be me.’

The court heard that Manning had no previous convictions, just a caution in 2010 for being drunk and incapable.

Defending him in court his advocate Deborah Myerscough said: ’At the time of the incident Mr Manning’s life was in complete disarray. There were severe financial difficulties. His wife had moved to the UK with their children. He had reached rock bottom. He has returned to the UK and moved back in with his parents, who have supported him.

’Financial matters are being addressed which is one matter he was unable to cope with. At the time of the offence his depression wasn’t being dealt with nor were his issues with alcohol. He is now seeing his GP and getting the support he needs.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Manning: ’You told probation you shared four or five bottles of wine with friends then had two pints of beer. ’That is a considerable amount at any time, let alone when you are riding a bike. You fell off and fortunately you were not involved in a more serious accident. You were undoubtedly a danger to other road users.’