A drink-driver has been put on probation for two years and handed a three-year driving ban.

David Spenser had previously denied the offence but on Tuesday changed his plea to guilty.

He was also ordered to retake his test after the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court how police were flagged down by staff at Onchan Co-op on October 16 last year at 10.20pm.

They told police that Spenser had bought alcohol at 9.30pm and had appeared drunk before driving off.

Police went to his home where the car engine was still warm.

He was described as slurring his words, smelling of alcohol, and having glazed eyes.

After being taken to police headquarters Spenser failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 69 - the legal limit is 35.

However, an expert’s calculation put the reading at not lower than 82 at the time of driving.

When interviewed Spenser told police: ’I was at the Co-op. I bought whisky, then drove home and drank.’

A probation report said that Spenser, who lives on Central Promenade, Douglas, had recently completed a two-year probation order, imposed for common assault, which had ended on July 16.

The report recommended a further period of probation as the most suitable sentence.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough handed in letters of reference for her client and also asked the court to follow the recommendation.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Spenser to pay £300 prosecution costs due to the case having reached the pre-trial review stage.

He will pay the costs at a rate of £10 per week.