A 55-year-old drink driver from Port Erin has been fined £1,200 and banned from driving for two years.

John Michael Creer, of Sunnydale Avenue, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 58 - the legal limit is 35.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks also ordered him to retake his test at the end of the ban.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how police received a report of a drink-driver on July 11 at 8.25pm.

Creer had been driving a red Subaru in Port Erin and police found the vehicle parked at his home with him still sitting in it.

He told police: ’I’ve been out for a drive.’

There was said to be a smell of alcohol and when quizzed about it Creer answered: ’Yes, of course there will be. I’m over the limit, you don’t need to bother with that.’

After being arrested and taken to police headquarters he failed the breathalyser test with a reading of 58. When interviewed he answered ’no comment’ to all questions.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said: ’Mr Creer had been drinking with a friend in Port Erin. He has only driven a short distance and was completely honest with the officers on their arrival.’

Mr Rodgers pointed out that his client’s last conviction was more than 20 years ago and said that his daughter was in very poor health which had been playing on his mind.

’He has driven for decades with only a minor set of matters to his name,’ the advocate told the court.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks also ordered Creer to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £25 per fortnight, deducted from benefits.