A 48-year-old drink-driver from Douglas has won back his driving licence early.

Alan Edward Bell, of Christian Road, was banned from driving for six years in June 2015.

On Tuesday magistrates told Bell that they would not restore his licence immediately but would restore it from January 1, 2021.

He must still take an extended driving test before he can drive again.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that Bell was seen driving an Audi in Port Erin on June 7, 2015, at 10pm.

Witnesses said that he was travelling at between 50mph and 70mph in a 20mph zone.

He was said to have skidded on Port Erin breakwater after what had looked like a handbrake turn, then crashed into the sea wall with the car’s airbags being activated.

Witnesses then saw Bell get out of the car to inspect damage before driving off.

He stopped the car again a short distance away and was reported to have his 11-year-old son as a front seat passenger.

Bell and the boy were then seen getting a taxi away from the scene.

He was arrested later and told police: ’I’m saying nothing,’ but the boy said: ’He was only taking it for a drive.’

Bell failed a breathalyser test at police headquarters with a reading of 104. The legal limit is 35.

When interviewed he remained silent.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’This was an appalling example of drink-driving. Mr Bell was lucky he did not go to custody. Probation as a direct alternative to custody, that sentence signifies that Mr Bell had a lot going on at the time which he needed help with.

’He was not coping well at the time.’

Mr Wood said that, at the time of the offence, Bell had been separating from his wife and had a number of health problems.

’He went into a tailspin,’ said the advocate. ’He is embarrassed by that behaviour and is embarrassed to come before the court now. He has taken the drink-driving rehabilitation course. This is his second application. On the last occasion the High Bailiff advised him to wait until five years was up.

’In my submission this is a gentleman who has led an industrious life. He has worked with probation. He has got his foot back on the ladder and has done all that has been required of him. He successfully completed his probation order and has turned his life around now.

’This was a bad offence of drink-driving that justified the sentence but the time has come where we have seen Mr Bell get back on track. He is in a much, much improved state.’

Magistrates chair David Craine told Bell: ’We are delighted you have turned your life around but the offence was a serious one and the sentence given was appropriate. We find maybe there is a halfway line here.’