A motorist has been fined £900 and banned from driving for two years after admitting a charge of drink-driving.

David Richard Hounslea, of High View Road, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 72 - double the legal limit of 35.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, on February 9 at 5.30pm, police saw Hounslea driving a silver Mercedes on Bray Hill, in Douglas.

Officers were concerned about the standard of driving with the car said to be struggling to maintain a straight line on the road.

Police stopped Hounslea, aged 51, at Pulrose shops car park where he failed a roadside breathalyser test.

He failed a subsequent one at police headquarters with the reading of 72.

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw said that his client was losing his good character as the result of this, his first offence.

’On the day in question, at 3pm, Mr Hounslea went to the Manor pub [in Willaston],’ said the advocate.

’He had two Guinness’s over two hours.

’One of his friends asked for a lift to Pulrose.

’In his own words, he made the stupid decision to give him a lift.

’He broke his own rule of not driving for 24 hours after consuming alcohol. He is sorry for the time he has cost the police and court.’

Mr Wilshaw went on to say that Hounslea had driven to the pub with the intention of leaving his car there.

Sentencing Hounslea on Tuesday, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’I never understand why people choose to drive to a public house and leave themselves open to the temptation to drive home.’

He was banned from driving for two years with an order to retake his test at the end of his ban.

And he was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.