A 59-year-old Douglas man has been fined £400 after being found drunk in a churchyard.

Edward Joseph Watkins, of George’s Terrace, admitted being drunk and disorderly and was also banned from licensed premises, and purchasing or being sold alcohol for three months.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, at 5pm on July 2, police were called to St George’s Church due to concerns for the welfare of a man who was said to have been in the churchyard since 8am.

Police found Watkins there with a bottle of Smirnoff vodka next to him and had to shout loudly to rouse him.

They attempted to find someone to care for him but he started swearing with members of the public in the grounds hearing him and was eventually arrested.

Watkins opted to represent himself in court and was asked why he was in the churchyard for so long.

He said: ’I didn’t want to go home. It’s nice and cool in the churchyard.’

He admitted that he had a drink problem but said he had secured work in the UK which was keep him from drinking.

When asked if he would argue against a licensing ban Watkins said he relied on getting work as a labourer by word of mouth in pubs.