A 45-year-old man from East Baldwin has been fined and banned for drink-driving.

Richard Teakle, of Ballaoates Farm, was seen staggering out of the Palace Hotel and getting into his car on Douglas promenade.

He then drove to the Terminus Tavern where he parked and was spoken to by police.

Teakle failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 47 - the legal limit is 35.

He admitted drink-driving and was banned for one year and fined £750 by magistrates.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told the court how the offence had taken place on January 31 at 10.10pm.

Teakle was offered a blood test as is the law for any reading under 50.

The blood test gave a reading of 78 - the legal limit is 80 - but was taken one and a half hours after Teakle had driven. An expert’s report cited a reading of 112 at the time of driving and this was accepted by Teakle’s advocate James Peterson.

The court heard that Teakle has no previous convictions.

Mr Peterson said: ’Mr Teakle considers this to be the worst mistake of his life. He doesn’t seek to try to excuse his behaviour.

’He does suffer from certain medical conditions for which he takes medication. He believes the medication may have reacted badly with the alcohol.

’Mr Teakle has spoken with his employer. He works with cars and will lose his job as a result of this.

’He moved to the Isle of Man 10 months ago for a fresh start.’

The advocate went on to say that Teakle was renting accommodation for £750 per month and that would also now be at risk due to him not having employment.

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