A 58-year-old Douglas man has been convicted of being drunk and incapable.

Edward Joseph Watkins, of George’s Terrace, admitted the offence and will be sentenced on October 17 after the preparation of a probation report.

He also admitted breaching a licensing order and attempting to breach a licensing order.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, on August 28 at 6.30pm, police were called to Westmoreland Road in Douglas after a report of a man falling over and being unsteady on his feet.

When police arrived Watkins was being held up by a member of the public and was unable to stand without help.

He refused to give his address and said that his name was ’Jeremy’.

He had a cut above his eye and due to his lack of co-operation, and concerns for his welfare, police arrested him and took him to Accident and Emergency.

He was taken to police headquarters after being deemed fit.

The court heard that in April, Watkins had been banned from purchasing alcohol for six months.

However, on July 24, he bought a bottle of vodka from Shoprite in Chester Street before staff realised he was banned, and on August 1 he tried to buy vodka from Newbys in Glenfalcon Road but was refused.

Watkins represented himself in court and said he could not remember the drunk and incapable incident, but had admitted to police that he had a drink problem.

The court heard that Watkins had committed no offences since 1982 until earlier this year and Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes asked him: ’Has something happened?’

Watkins said: ’I thought I could manage this on my own but I can’t.’

Bail was granted in the sum of £500.