A Douglas motorist who failed to provide a breath sample has been banned from driving for five years.

Keith Joseph Murray, of Lakeside Road, was also sentenced to 160 hours’ community service.

Murray was stopped on Central Promenade in Douglas on December 23 at 12.40am after police saw him travelling at speed, swerving left and right.

The court heard that Murray, aged 41, had not refused to provide the sample but had made attempts, which resulted in partial readings of 72, 79, and 82 - the legal limit is 35.

A basis of plea was handed in to court by his advocate Jim Travers in which Murray said he had made several attempts to blow but was hampered by being intoxicated and shortness of breath.

Mr Travers said: ’It wasn’t a case of deliberate obstruction, attempts were made.

’He made relevant admissions at the scene. He had tried to order a taxi and spent an hour doing so.

’He could have walked home and back during that time.

’He tried to phone a friend, then made the fateful decision to access his vehicle and drive home.

’When attempting to give breath readings he didn’t quite make the mark.’

Murray, who admitted the offence, must retake his test at the end of the five-year ban and attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

He was ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.