A 46-year-old Port Erin man has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of cocaine.

Jason Hughes, of Ballamaddrell, was due to face a trial after denying the offence but changed his plea the day beforehand.

He was sentenced to 14 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, and a two year Suspended Sentence Supervision Order (SSSO). He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £400 prosecution costs.

Defending Hughes, advocate David Reynolds said that his client had not been before the court for some time.

Mr Reynolds went on to say that Hughes had done his best to address drug problems and that probation had been impressed with his improvements.

’He is ashamed of the way he has acted in the past,’ said the advocate. ’A probation order would allow them to make sure he engages with the Drug and Alcohol Team.’