A motorist who crashed his van into three parked cars and then refused to provide a breathalyser sample has been handed a suspended sentence, fined £800 and banned from driving for five years.
He failed a roadside breathalyser test but then refused to take a further one at police headquarters.
The 30-year-old was sentenced to 12 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, by Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith after pleading guilty to the offence.
He must also retake his test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.
Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court police were called to Ballaugh on September 1 at 4.09am.
Christian was still at the accident scene and was said to be smelling of alcohol, unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.
After failing the roadside breathalyser test and being taken to police headquarters he was said to have become obstructive.
Defence advocate Jerry Carter asked for credit to be given for his client’s early guilty plea.
’Mr Christian is very ashamed of his behaviour.’
Christian was the carer for his father and had been under some pressure at the time of the offence, said Mr Carter.
He added: ’He was very stressed and got to the police station and panicked.
’He accepts he wasn’t right to refuse to give a sample.
’It is clear from the probation report he has engaged with the process.’
Christian was assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending. Mr Carter said that his client was receiving support from his family with his mother and grandmother in court.
Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith told Christian: ’The courts have made it clear time and time again failing to provide a sample is in someways considered more serious than exceeding the limit.’
Christian was also ordered to pay £125 costs.