A drink-driver who was caught in the early hours of New Year’s Day has been fined £1,000 and banned from driving for three years.

David Michael Yeomans, of Palace View Terrace, Douglas, admitted the offence after failing a breathalyser test with a reading of 67. The legal limit is 35.

The 40-year-old, who has two previous similar convictions, was also ordered by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes to retake his test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that Yeomans was driving a Vauxhall Corsa van at 3.48am on New Year’s Day on Loch Promenade heading towards the Villa Marina when police saw him.

He was said to have performed a ’rushed turn’ and then turned up Broadway.

Police caught up with him on Derby Road where they stopped him.

Yeomans was said to be smelling of alcohol and when asked if he had been drinking replied: ’Yes, you’ve got me bang to rights.’

After failing a roadside breathalyser test he was arrested and taken to police headquarters where he produced the reading of 67.

The court heard he had two previous convictions in 2006 and 2007 for the same offence.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea.

The advocate said: ’On the evening in question, Mr Yeomans had been celebrating with his mother. He fell asleep then woke up and made the impulsive stupid decision to go for cigarettes. He would like to apologise for his actions.’

Mr Taylor went on to say that Yeomans had lost his job and had since signed on for benefits.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes also ordered him pay £125 costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at £10 per week.