A 33-year-old Douglas man who drove while under the influence of a cocktail of drugs has been jailed for 10 weeks and banned for two years.

The man, who cannot be named due to ongoing proceedings, was arrested after police saw his van swerving in the road and crossing the centre line on Peel Road in Douglas on August 1.

Despite police turning on their blue lights, the man failed to stop and put his hand out of the car window and waved, as if ushering them past. His van continued to swerve as he headed up Braddan Road with police pulling alongside him. They reported he was slumped with his eyes half shut and he eventually pulled over.

A sample of blood was taken after which showed the presence of diazepam, nordiazepam, and morphine, said to be consistant with the use of heroin. He pleaded guilty to driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

Advocate Andrew Baker asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and for complying with the blood test.

Mr Baker said his client was driving to hospital and police had taken him to ccident and emergency after his arrest.

’He has had a difficult year, somewhat exacerbated by his drug use,’ he said.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered him to retake his test at the end of the ban.