A drink-driver who had no licence has been banned for three years and fined £900.

Gary Jonathon Pownall, of Prince’s Street, Douglas, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 87. The legal limit is 35.

Police also found that the 33-year-old held only a provisional licence and that had expired.

Pownall pleaded guilty to drink-driving and having no licence.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how police were on patrol on South Quay in Douglas on July 20 at 12.30am when they saw Pownall driving a blue Ford Fiesta.

A member of the public had reported that Pownall had been drinking and police spoke to him as they found him unloading fishing tackle from the car.

He was said to be slurring his words and had glazed eyes and failed the subsequent breathalyser test.

After being arrested he was taken to police headquarters and during interview admitted to police that he had been drink-driving and that he only held an expired provisional licence.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said that Pownall had come into possession of the Fiesta because his landlord had died and executors of the will had given him the car in lieu of returning his rent deposit.

’His intention was to learn to drive in it,’ said the advocate.

Mr Taylor said that Pownall had suffered recent bereavements and struggled with his mental health and alcohol.

He continued: ’He is signed off work sick, receiving treatment for alcohol problems. He had been out watching football and had four cans at a friend’s house. He felt down and depressed and decided to go fishing.

’Police only became alerted, not because of how he drove, but by a member of the public.

’Once found he didn’t seek to hide matters, he admitted he was driving and that he didn’t have a licence.’

Magistrates fined Pownall £800 for drink-driving and £100 for having no licence.

He must also pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.

Pownall must also take an extended driving test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.