A drink-driver has been sentenced to probation and community service as well as being banned from driving for three years.

Patrick Henry Smith, of Callow’s Yard, Castletown, hit a vehicle while driving his Audi A3 then drove away but was reported by a witness.

Smith already had 10 points on his licence for being drunk in charge of a vehicle in July 2020.

Magistrates sentenced the 59-year-old to 120 hours’ community service and put him on probation for two years.

He was also ordered to retake his test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

We previously reported that a woman reported an Audi A3 being involved in a collision on Arbory Street in Castletown on February 3 at 9.45pm and then driving away.

The Audi was found in a car park at Farrant’s Way unattended with the engine still warm.

A bottle of vodka was found in the car’s footwell and the vehicle had suffered damage consistent with the accident reported by the woman.

Police inquiries identified Smith as the owner and he was found in Callow’s Yard.

He was said to be unsteady on his feet and initially refused to give officers his name.

After being arrested and taken to police headquarters he failed a breathalyser test with the 91 reading.

When interviewed he answered ’no comment’ to all questions.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and his co-operation during the breathalyser process.

’Mr Smith does have problems with alcohol,’ said the advocate.

’On the day in question he had gone to engage with a friend and enjoyed a few drinks.

’Then he made a "huge mistake" as he describes it. He realises he should not have driven.

’It would serve nobody for Mr Smith to be locked up for a short period and then come out and have no support.’

Mr Taylor said that Smith had completed his previous community service order, had contacted Motiv8, and was looking for work.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £125 prosecution costs, which he will pay at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits