A 41-year-old drink-driver who was more than three times the legal limit has been banned from driving for five years.

Neil Gray, of Maghergarran, Port Erin, admitted the offence and was also sentenced to 210 hours of community service by magistrates.

He must also retake his test at the end of the ban and complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

We previously reported that Gray entered Port Erin Spar on Station Road at 8.45pm on August 31.

Staff reported that he was smelling of alcohol and slurring his words, and was then seen driving off.

Police went to Gray’s home address where they found his car with the engine still warm.

He failed a breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters where he failed a further test with the reading of 112.

When interviewed the following day Gray admitted that he had drunk five or six pints of Strongbow, as well as one and a half bottles of wine in pubs in Port Erin between 5pm and 8.45pm.

Defence advocate Jim Travers said that his client had been at the pub but had been driven home by his mother at around 8.30pm.

Mr Travers said that Gray had then decided to drive to Darnell’s garage for groceries.

’The driving conduct only came at the very end of the evening,’ said the advocate.

’He was compliant with police at his home and at police headquarters.

’Mr Gray loses his good character after a quite disasterous decision. He can’t explain what drove him to ge behind the wheel. It was a completely unnecessary journey. He didn’t actually purchase anything. He spent a few moments walking around the store before departing again.’

Mr Travers handed in references for his client which he said spoke of a ’very responsible man’.

A probation report assessed Gray as a low risk of reoffending.

Chair of the magistrates Lisa Horton told Gray: ’This was extremely dangerous to the community and yourself.’

He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs which he was given one month to pay.