A lorry driver has been fined £1,500 and banned from driving for three years after admitting drink-driving.

Maris Poznaks, of Bank Street, Castletown, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 77. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates ordered him to retake his test at the end of the ban and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that police saw Poznaks driving an Audi on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas on September 5 at 11.35pm.

He was said to be driving erratically and was subsequently stopped by police.

Poznaks was reported to be smelling of alcohol, slurring his words, and unsteady on his feet.

He told police: ’I’ve been drinking. You caught me, well done. I need my licence.’

A half empty can of lager was found in the car.

At police headquarters the 34-year-old failed the breathalyser test with the reading of 77.

Defence advocate David Reynolds asked for credit to be given for his client’s immediate guilty plea and co-operation with the police.

’Mr Poznaks is from Latvia. He has lived here for eight years,’ said the advocate.

’He has been in constant employment. Unfortunately during lockdown there were issues with his employment. He found another job as an HGV driver but clearly this is going to have a significant effect. He will lose that job and is going to have to find new work.’

Magistrates ordered Poznaks to pay his fine and costs at a rate of £10 per week.