A motorist has been handed a suspended prison sentence after he drove while more than three times the legal drink-drive limit.
The court heard that Barry John Devin, aged 34, of Glen Road, in Laxey, had a long-standing issue with alcohol.
He failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 116 - the legal limit is 35.
Devlin pleaded guilty to drink-driving and also admitted driving with no insurance, for which no separate penalty was made.
He was arrested by police while driving in Groves Road, Douglas, on September 1.
He was said to have been at the Quarterbridge pub where he had previously left the car.
Defence advocate Paul Glover said: ’Mr Devlin has previous for similar offences and has a long-standing issue with alcohol.
’He has been very open and honest. He has two similar previous convictions but nothing in the last four years.
’Life has drastically changed in the last four years due to him meeting his partner.
He has jeopardised everything through a very stupid mistake.’
Mr Glover went on to say that his client was hard worker who had recently started new employment as part of a scaffolding team.
A probation report rated Devlin as a low risk of reoffending.
Letters from Devlin himself, his partner, and his employer were all handed to Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.
Devlin’s partner wrote that custody would have a ’devastating effect’ on the family as he was their sole provider.
Mrs Hughes said while passing sentence: ’I bear in mind the impact on your family, in particular your children.
You have a lot to thank your partner for.
’It is her reference as much as anything else that has saved you from custody today.’
Devlin was banned from driving for eight years and fined £1,500.
He was ordered to retake his test at the end of his ban and attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course.