A 41-year-old Douglas man has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample after making several unsuccessful attempts.

Keith Joseph Murray, of Lakeside Road, was stopped on Central Promenade, in Douglas, on December 23 at 12.40am, after officers saw him travelling at speed, swerving left and right.

A basis of plea was handed in to court by his advocate Jim Travers in which Murray said that he had made several attempts to blow but had been hampered by being intoxicated and shortness of breath.

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood told the court officers that Murray was smelling of alcohol, slurring his words and unsteady on his feet.

He had to lean on the vehicle for support.

He was asked if he had been drinking and admitted that he had.

Murray failed to provide a breath sample after trying three times and was taken to police headquarters.

At headquarters he again tried to produce a sample but could not blow for long enough.

He told police he had consumed six or seven pints that evening.

taxi

He said he had tried to get a taxi then get a lift from friends but had been unable to.

Mr Travers said that Murray had then decided to drive home.

Murray will be sentenced on February 20 after the preparation of a probation report.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that Murray reside at his home address, not drive, contact probation, and not leave the island without permission of the court.