A Christmas Day drink-driver has been fined, banned and sentenced to community service.

Bacar Cassama, of New Castletown Road, Douglas, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 64 - the legal limit is 35.

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith fined him £1,000, banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to do 40 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court police saw Cassama driving on Douglas promenade just after 10pm on Christmas Day.

His Renault Megane was said to be weaving on the carriageway and he was subsequently stopped by officers on Empress Drive.

He was said to be smelling of alcohol and told police he had drunk one beer.

After failing a roadside breathalyser test he failed a further one at police headquarters where he produced the 64 reading.

A probation report said that Cassama had lived in the island for 17 years and was employed as a driver for a retail construction company.

Whisky

The report said he still had the prospect of being offered an alternative position in the company after the inevitable driving ban.

Cassama said that, on the day in question, he had been having a family meal and had drunk a glass of wine in the afternoon.

He said that at about 9pm his son had asked him for a lift to Douglas promenade and he agreed.

However, Cassama said that prior to leaving he had consumed a ’house’ measure of whisky.

The probation report assessed Cassama as a low risk of reoffending.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Arrowsmith told Cassama while passing sentence: ’Clearly a stupid mistake will have consequences financially and employment-wise for you.’

Cassama must also pay £125 prosecution costs.