A 46-year-old man has been banned from driving for two years and fined £800 for drink-driving.

Michael Vinton was also bound over to keep the peace for 12 months after a charge of common assault on a female was withdrawn due to the woman not wishing to make a complaint.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court how police were called to an address in Edremony Estate on September 18 at 5.30am.

A woman said that she had been assaulted by Vinton after an argument at her home.

Vinton was said to have then left the property and driven to work at Ronaldsway Aircraft Company.

Police found his car in the car park there and he was arrested.

He was said to be smelling of alcohol and failed a subsequent breathalyser test with a reading of 67. The legal limit is 35.

When interviewed Vinton, who lives in Edremony Estate, Port Erin, said the woman was his ex-partner and they had been in the process of splitting up.

He claimed he was upset because she had met another man and he had consumed beer the night before, but decided not to go to work.

However, he said after arguing he had decided to go to work.

The court heard that he has a previous conviction for drink-driving in 1999.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander said: ’Mr Vinton accepts the facts regarding the drink-driving.

’The other matter certain facts are not accepted but he would accept a binding order. He left the house trying to get away as things were escalating. This is a case of someone having a few drinks the night before. He is facing disciplinary proceedings at work so he doesn’t know if he will be employed or not. He is currently residing on a friend’s sofa.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes mentioned a reference handed in by Vinton from Castletown Ale Drinkers’ Society, saying it perhaps didn’t help him, though she accepted that they did raise money for good causes.

Vinton was also ordered to retake his test at the end of his ban and pay £125 prosecution costs.

He will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £100 per month.

Since we reported this story, Castletown Ale Drinkers have told us that they did not endorse any letter sent to the court.