Two men have admitted stealing a car after a night out drinking in Douglas.

Stephen Mark Heasley, aged 29, of Heather Crescent, Pulrose pleaded guilty to drink-driving, taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, common assault and having no insurance.

Liam Priestnal, aged 23, of Anagh Coar Road, admitted being a passenger in a vehicle taken without consent, common assault and possession of cannabis.

They will be sentenced on March 19 after a probation report has been prepared.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how a taxi driver reported picking up the two men from the Quarterbridge pub at 11pm and dropping them off near the Saddle Inn on North Quay.

The driver said that he then saw the pair later, at 2am, on Walpole Avenue talking with a third man.

A barman at Bordellos nightclub said that he had served Heasley and Priestnal earlier that evening without any problems.

At 2.40am, the barman left the club and said that he saw the two men outside.

As he got into his Ford Ka he said that one of the men approached to talk to him so he got out of the car.

One of the men then attempted to punch him then pushed him onto the ground.

Heasley was said to have got into the driver’s seat of the car and shouted to Priestnal to get in.

Priestnal at first refused but then got in the car and the pair drove off.

They were later arrested and Heasley failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 115 - the legal limit is 35.

Records showed that Heasley was disqualified from driving in 2008 for three years with an order to retake his test which he had not done.

A search of Priestnal’s home found a small amount of cannabis said to be worth approximately £10.

Advocate Louise Cooil, representing Priestnal, and Matthew Wilshaw, representing Heasley, both asked for a probation report before sentencing. Bail continues for both men.