A disqualified motorist whose car ended up on its roof after hitting a stationary vehicle has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

James Brian John Arbuthnott, of Willaston Crescent, admitted charges of drink-driving and driving while disqualified.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced him to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for two years and banned him from driving for five years.

We previously reported how, on December 16 at 7.30pm, police were called to Malvern Road where Arbuthnott’s Ford C-Max was on its roof.

He was driving from Stoney Road when he collided with a stationary vehicle.

Arbuthnott, aged 69, was in the back of an ambulance when police arrived and he was said to be suffering from a cut hand.

At police headquarters he failed a breath test with a reading of 51 - the legal limit is 35.

A witness said they had heard a loud bang outside their house and saw the car on its roof. A member of the public helped Arbuthnott out of the car through a window.

The witness said that Arbuthnott said something that sounded like: ’I’ve had a few drinks.’

The court heard he only currently holds a UK licence despite being a resident on the island for some time.

Arbuthnott was disqualified from driving in 2006 for five years with an order to retake his test which he had failed to do.

It was said that it was unclear how he had obtained a UK licence.

Arbuthnott told police he had been to the Rosemount pub for a karaoke event at 2.30pm. He said he had drunk two vodka and tonics then went to the chippy, got in the car and set off to drive home.

He estimated that he was only two or three out of ten on the scale of how drunk he was, saying that he felt sober.

Defence advocate Jane Gray that Arbuthnott had initially intended to get a taxi home but after going to the chippy had thought he would be ok to drive.

’Mr Arbuthnott says he has no intention of ever driving again,’ said the advocate. ’He has a free bus pass now and is going to take full advantage.’

Two of the tyres on his car were found to be defective and he was fined £300.

He must retake his test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course. Arbuthnott must also pay £125 prosecution costs.