A motorist who took his partner’s car while he was drunk and then crashed it into road signs and other vehicles has been sentenced.

David John Alsop, aged 52, of Ballacottier Meadows, Douglas, was banned from driving for two years and handed an 18 month probation order by magistrates.

He admitted taking a vehicle without consent, drink-driving, failing to stop after an accident, and having no insurance. The court heard on Thursday that Alsop has already spent 31 days on remand.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how Alsop and his partner were at home on March 23.

Alsop was said to have drunk a bottle of wine and some Stella lager and said he was going for a walk.

Collision

However, after he had gone, his partner noticed that her BMW had gone and she then heard loud voices outside.

When she went outside, a woman told her that Alsop had driven off nearly hitting her daughter and other cars as he went.

The street was said to be busy with pedestrians and children at the time.

Several witnesses reported seeing the BMW colliding with road signs and cars.

Alsop was later found back at home and was subsequently arrested.

At police headquarters he failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 73 - the legal limit is 35.

Ms Carroon said that no details of the vehicles Alsop was said to have hit had been provided by the police.

Defence advocate James Peterson said: ’Mr Alsop wishes to apologise to everyone affected and for the damage caused.

’He would like to apologise to the police who did everything to help him following his arrest.

’He is deeply remorseful for what he has done.

Remorse

’His misuse of alcohol appears to be a symptom of underlying issues of depression and ill health.

’Mr Alsop wrongly turned to alcohol in recent weeks as a means of coping with his mental health issues.

’He understands alcohol is not a substitute. He wants to get better.’

Ms Carroon added: ’He has been fortunate in getting help from the prison services, Motiv8 and the mental health team.

’Time on remand has had the benefit of drying him out.’

Mr Peterson went on to say that Alsop had not consumed alcohol for about four years.

’He decided it was best for him not to drink but regrettably he has turned back to alcohol,’ said the advocate.

Magistrates ordered that Alsop retake his test at the end of the ban.

And he must pay £125 prosecution costs.