A 48-year-old man from Douglas has been banned from driving and fined £1,000 for drink-driving.

Businessman Rajinder Singh Chatha, of Ballanard Road, admitted the offence and was banned for two years with an order to retake his test at the end of the ban.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on June 26 at 12.08am, police spoke to Chatha after he seen was driving a Mini Cooper on Head Road in Douglas.

He admitted he had consumed several drinks and failed a roadside breathalyser test.

At police headquarters he failed a further test with a reading of 63 - the legal limit is 35.

The court heard that he had no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Darren Taubitz said: ’On the evening in question Mr Chatha had been out with friends for a meal.

’He accepts he had a number of alcholic beverages over three and a half hours.

’At the end of the evening he said he felt fine and would be ok to drive. He accepts he made an unwise decision.

’He was not accompanied, the roads were quiet and the weather was good.

’He made an immediate admission at the scene, co-operated fully at the scene and at police headquarters.

’He is embarrased and ashamed to be in court. He has asked me to apologise to the court on his behalf. This is the first and last time you will see him appearing. He has learned a harsh lesson.’

Chatha was also ordered by magistrates to pay £125 prosecution costs.