A drink-driver has been banned from driving for two years and sentenced to community service and probation.

Trevor Michael Brian Latimer, of Alder Road, Pulrose, admitted the offence after failing a breathalyser test with a reading of 51. The legal limit is 35.

We previously reported that police saw 51-year-old Latimer driving a Citroen Berlingo in Douglas on September 15 at 2am.

He was said to be driving erratically, swerving in the road, and was subsequently stopped at Ballaquayle Road.

Latimer described by police as smelling of alcohol, slurring his words, and having bloodshot eyes.

After failing a roadside breathalyser test he was taken to police headquarters where he failed a further test with the reading of 51.

The court heard that he has previous convictions. In April 2018 he was jailed for 16 weeks for driving while disqualified for a third time.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough asked for the court to follow the recommendation of a probation report which suggested a combination order as an appropriate sentence.

Ms Myerscough said that her client had ’underlying issues’ and at the time of the latest offence his circumstances were ’quite dire’.

’He has had two session of counselling,’ said the advocate. ’He has a long way to go to deal with deep-seated issues.’

Magistrates ordered him to do 100 hours unpaid work and put him on probation for 12 months.

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