A motorist who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit when he was stopped by police has been banned from driving for three and a half years.

Anthony Hatton, of Demesne Road, in Douglas, was stopped by an unmarked police car on September 29 after officers noticed the car’s hazard lights flash then its fog light illuminate.

The 31-year-old was also fined £1,200 after admitting failing a breathalyser test with a reading of 92 - the legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes how, on September 29 at 8.45pm, Hatton was driving on Peel Road heading towards Pulrose.

An unmarked police vehicle reported Hatton’s hazard lights flash then his fog light illuminate.

As officers followed him he drove through Pulrose faster than the 20mph speed limit, wheel-spinning away from a junction and turning into Anagh Coar at speed.

Cider

He was subsequently stopped and failed a roadside breathalyser test.

Hatton admitted having four cans of cider before driving.

Defence advocate Jane Gray said that her client had recently lost two close members of his family which had had a huge emotional impact on him.

’He did use alcohol as a coping mechanism,’ said Ms Gray.

’He had attended his GP and was signed off for grief and depression.

’At the time he got in the vehicle he stated that he had had four cans of cider but had felt he was okay to drive.’

Ms Gray went on to say that Hatton would likely be seeking assistance from addiction services charity Motiv8.

Hatton was also ordered by the court to pay £125 prosecution costs.