A Douglas man who was banned from driving after refusing to provide a breath sample failed in a bid to have his licence restored early.

Richard Terrance Thwaites, of George’s Terrace, was disqualified for five years in January 2015 and ordered to do 100 hours’ community service.

Magistrates heard the application to have his licence restored early was critical for a property renovation business to continue, if his father went travelling.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on December 14, 2014, at 2.40am, police saw 23-year-old Thwaites driving with no lights on on Windsor Road in Douglas. He was stopped at Victoria Terrace and was said to be slurring his words, was unsteady on his feet and was smelling of alcohol.

He was asked to take a breathalyser test but refused and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters. Once there, he again refused to give a breath sample.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and has since completed the 100 hours’ work.

Advocate Ian Kermode, representing Thwaites, said: ’The application is based on his requirement to drive for his business.

’He works with his father. Mr Thwaites senior is going travelling the world. It is a two-man operation, renovating properties.

’If his father leaves the island the business won’t be able to continue as there will be no-one able to visit sites and transport tools.’

Mr Kermode said Thwaites had completed a drink-drive rehabilitation course as ordered.

He continued: ’It’s fair to say prior to 2015 he had committed a spate of relatively minor offences, dealt with by way of financial penalties.

’Disqualification did turn out to be a turning point as he did not commit any further offences.’

Mr Kermode read an extract from a letter from Thwaites to the court in which he said: ’I have bettered my life in every way since I was banned. It will definitely stay that way.’

Magistrates were not willing to restore Thwaites’ licence early and his ban remains.