A 45-year-old drink-driver has been fined £1,700 and banned from driving for three years.

Kevin Robert Ledsham, of Abbots Way, Ballasalla, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 89. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates also ordered him to retake his test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate James Robinson told the court that Ledsham was driving a Range Rover on Main Road in Ballasalla on February 12 at 5.45pm.

Police received a report of him swerving in the road and he was subsequently stopped.

Ledsham was said to be struggling to open his car window and when he got out of the car was described by police as smelling of alcohol, slurring his words, and having glazed eyes.

He was asked if he had been drinking and replied: ’Probably too much. Can I be honest? I’ve definitely had too much to drink.’

After failing a roadside breathalyser test he was taken to police headquarters when he failed a further test with the reading of 89.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Jim Travers handed in a letter of apology from Ledsham as well as a letter of reference from his employer.

Mr Travers said: ’This is a man in his mid-forties who loses his good character today. He was entirely co-operative with the police.

’He made immediate admissions that he’d consumed alcohol and had definitely had too much of it.

’His co-operation continued following his arrest and at police headquarters.’

Mr Travers went on to say that Ledsham had been drinking at lunchtime and had planned to leave his car in Douglas.

He had returned to work in the afternoon then had more drinks after work.

The advocate continued: ’He made the split-second foolish decision to drive home. The disqualification will affect his family.

’There was no collision or injury or damage to any property.’

Magistrates also ordered Ledsham to pay £125 prosecution costs.

He will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £250 per month.