A 21-year-old drink-driver from Port Erin has been banned from the roads for two-and-a-half-years.

Shane Fayle, of Marashen Crescent, was spotted driving on Shore Road, Gansey, in the direction of Port Erin, by police officers at 2.45am on Saturday, March 28.

Prosecutor Hazel Caroon said that due to current restrictions on people in public places as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, officers followed him.

She told the court that officers observed his car swerving in the road so flashed their vehicle’s blue lights.

However, Fayle only stopped when they sounded the vehicle’s siren.

Fayle was reported as smelling strongly of alcohol and slurring his words. Ms Caroon said he had cooperated with officers both at the scene and at police headquarters.

He produced a breathalyser result of 75mg, more than double the legal limit is 35.

He admitted the charge.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said Fayle admitted what he had done was ’inadvisable’ and explained he had fallen asleep at a friend’s house following some drinks and drove home after he woke up.

Mr Rodgers said his client is a scaffolder who drives to Douglas for his work.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Fayle that ’people should not drink drive at any time, but particularly so now’.

She added: ’You should not have been on that road at that time.’

Mrs Hughes told him his behaviour was ’completely and utterly unacceptable’ at a time when emergency services are already so stretched.

As well as the driving ban, Fayle was fined £1,200, and must pay £125 court costs, to be deducted at a rate of £10 from benefits.