A drink-driver who crashed into a wall in Greeba has been banned for two years and fined £1,400.

Liam David Smith was ordered to pay the fine, plus £125 prosecution costs, immediately, or face up to 70 days in prison.

Prosecuting advocate Annie Bannister told the court that police were called by paramedics on October 3, at 4.30am.

They reported they were at the A1 Main Road in Greeba, where a BMW had crashed.

Police arrived and found the car with extensive damage, next to a wall, opposite Greeba Towers.

Smith and another male were present, and Smith admitted he was driving.

He told the police: ‘I will fail. I’ve had a couple of drinks. I’ll likely lose my licence.’

At police headquarters, a breathalyser test produced a reading of 53, above the legal limit of 35.

Smith, of Ballamenagh Road, Baldrine, was represented in court by duty advocate Ian Kermode, who handed in a letter of apology from his client.

The advocate said Smith had suffered a family bereavement recently, as well as a work-related injury, so he had had a lot on his plate.

Mr Kermode said: ‘He’s not a regular drinker, but one thing led to another, too many drinks were consumed in Douglas.

‘He decided to drive home, had a friend with him and was going to drop him off.’

The advocate said Smith was a groundworker for a local company, but his driving licence was essential for the job, and it was now likely he’d return to Sussex.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told the defendant: ‘Whilst the reading wasn’t the highest, the fact you’ve crashed with somebody else in the car is a significant aggravating factor.’

Smith must also take an extended test at the end of the ban, which will also apply in the UK.