A motorist who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit when his van hit parked cars has been handed a suspended sentence.

Robert Ayres, aged 54, was driving back to his home in Main Road, Kirk Michael, after attending a Bavarian themed party in Ballaugh.

He admitted failing a breathalyser test with a reading of 88 on September 9 - the legal limit is 35.

The court heard that his van hit parked cars on the journey home.

Defence advocate Darren Taubitz said that his client had gone out to a Bavarian themed party and would normally have walked home or slept in his van.

Mr Taubitz said that Ayres, a builder, had attended the party in a marquee in Ballaugh, two or three miles from his home.

’He drank stronger lager than he was used to,’ said the advocate.

’He has no recollection of making the decision to drive home.

’He always walks home having had a drink.

’He is not sure if he fell asleep in his van then woke up and drove home.

’When he returned home he told his wife he had a crash and she contacted the police.’

Mr Taubitz went on to say that Ayres’ wife had been ill and that he had used alcohol as a crutch.

’He is now alcohol free and it’s not something he’s going to turn to again,’ he said.

’The loss of his licence will have a devastating impact on his business.

’His labourer is going to take his driving test and his wife will help out.

’This is someone who I doubt you will find in this court or any other in the future.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced Ayres to eight weeks’ custody for each offence of drink-driving and failing to stop after an accident, to run concurrently, but suspended for two years.

He was also banned from driving for four years.

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