A motorist who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit when he lost control of his van has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

The van ended up some 100 metres from the road in the incident, near Sulby reservoir car park.

Both the driver, Barry Mc Kenna, of Castlemona Avenue, in Douglas, and a passenger suffered cuts and bruises in the crash on May 4.

McKenna, aged 38, was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, banned from driving for four years and fined £750.

He must also retake his test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

McKenna admitted drink-driving after failing a breathalyser test with a reading of 83 - the legal limit is 35.

We previously reported how, on May 4 at 8.30pm, McKenna was driving a Peugeot Expo van towards Sulby carrying a passenger.

He lost control and crashed through a fence with the van rolling down a field ending up about 100 metres from the road.

Police attended the crash and found McKenna and his friend at the scene.

Hospital

In hospital McKenna told police: ’I did a really stupid thing. I drove drunk.

’I just want to know he is okay.’

During a police interview McKenna said that he had been drinking earlier then had driven to Sulby reservoir car park.

He said he had then driven out of the car park and lost control of the van.

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw quoted a probation report which said of McKenna: ’There is no doubt his remorse is genuine.

’The likelihood of him reoffending is low.’

Mr Wilshaw said that his client intended to work on sustainable housing projects in Portugal, something which had previously done in other countries.

’While in hospital he was concerned about the welfare of his passenger,’ said the advocate.

’This is a kind and caring man. They both suffered cuts and bruises.

’His friend holds no grudges against him.

’He was asked to give his friend a lift and wanted to help.’

McKenna was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £125.