A 68-year-old Douglas woman who drove after drinking has been fined £850 and banned from driving for two years.

Sylvia Pemberton, Derby Road, was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs and must retake her driving test at the end of her ban.

She must also attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood told the court how, on Saturday (April 15) at 8.40pm, Pemberton was seen driving a Hyundai Santa Fe in Crosby.

She was reported by a witness who was concerned about the manner of Pemberton’s driving and police located her at Braddan Bridge.

She was subsequently stopped outside the Woodbourne pub in Douglas.

Police reported that Pemberton was smelling of alcohol, had glazed eyes and was slurring her words. She failed a roadside breathalyser test and was arrested.

At police headquarters a further breathalyser test produced a reading of 52 - the legal limit is 35. She was charged with drink-driving and made no reply after caution. The court heard that Pemberton had no previous convictions.

Defending her in court, advocate Kate Alexander said: ’Ms Pemberton had been out for supper at a friend’s and had a couple of glasses of wine. Some time had passed and she felt fit and well, so she made the foolish decision to drive.

’Disqualification will have a considerable impact on her. She lives in Douglas but keeps a horse in St John’s and does some work at the yard there to assist the owners.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’The impact of disqualification is something you should have thought about before driving.’

Crime