A motorist who crashed into a wall while more than twice the drink-drive limit has been banned from driving for four years.

Brandon Robert Lachenicht, of Four Roads, Port St Mary, admitted failing a breathalyser test on December 9 with a reading of 86 - the legal limit is 35 - after crashing into a wall. The 50-year-old was also fined £1,000.

Defence advocate Paul Glover handed in references for his client from his employer and Motiv8.

’Mr Lachenicht is someone who has ongoing difficulties and issues which tie in with this offence,’ he said.

’He could have tried to shy away from those issues but has faced them head on. He is losing his good character and was a hardworking man until losing his employment through no fault of his own.

’He is more than aware he could have endangered the lives of others. He informs me he is a very experienced driver. He has been driving since the age of 18.

’He knows he’s going to lose his licence through nobody’s fault but his own.

’This matter has been a large wake up call. To some extent he’s had a lucky escape, it could have been far more severe.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’You admitted driving while intoxicated at the scene. As a result you had a road traffic collision, crashing into a wall.’

Lachenicht must pay £125 prosecution costs and retake his test at the end of his ban.