A 74-year-old Peel man has been fined £1,000 and banned from driving for a year after admitting drink-driving.

John Curmi, of Lhergydhoo, went out driving to look for his dog but failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 43. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates also ordered him to retake his test at the end of the ban.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that police were called to the Curmi’s address after neighbours reported a dog roaming loose at 9.33pm on April 26.

The dog had been caught by members of the public by the time police arrived and Curmi was then seen pulling up in his Volkswagen Golf.

He reversed and was said to have nearly hit a grass verge.

Police spoke to him and reported that he was smelling of alcohol and unsteady on his feet.

He failed a roadside breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Once there he failed a further test with the reading of 43.

Curmi was then offered a blood test as is the law for readings under 50 but declined.

Defence advocate Dawn Jones said: ’Mr Curmi was on his way to bed when he became aware his dog was at large.

’He only went to the Switchback and back. He wasn’t driving for long and didn’t really think about it.’

Ms Jones went on to say that her client had been driving since he was 18 without any previous convictions.

’His main concern is he is aware he will be disqualified and he is the sole carer for his 99-year-old mother who resides in Douglas,’ said the advocate.

Magistrates also ordered Curmi to pay £125 prosecution costs which he agreed to pay, along with the fine, with a month.