A 62-year-old drink-driver has been fined £1,500 and banned from the roads for a year.

Edward James Leahy failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 43.

Magistrates also ordered him to take an extended test, and to complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course, after the ban ends.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis told the court that a member of the public called police on July 16, at 1.30am.

They reported concerns about a possible drink-driver on Harris Promenade in Douglas, who had just left Quids Inn.

Officers went to the scene and found Leahy in a Mitsubishi vehicle.

He was described as smelling of alcohol and slurring his words.

Leahy, whose address was given as Shore Road in Port Erin, but was said to be visiting from Liverpool, failed a roadside breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested.

At police headquarters, a further test produced the reading of 43, above the legal limit of 35.

When charged, he made no reply to caution.

Appearing before magistrates on July 23, the defendant was represented by duty advocate John Wright.

Mr Wright said that the prosecution facts were accepted, and that his client’s permanent address was in Liverpool, but he was in the island until October, assisting a friend with a house renovation.

Leahy claimed that he had consumed a maximum of two and a half pints on the night in question, and said he had been surprised he was over the limit.

Mr Wright said that the defendant had had a kidney removed in the past, so his body may not process alcohol as quickly.

Magistrates’ chair Michael Murley told the defendant: ‘Anybody who decides to drive after consuming alcohol puts not only themself, but other people at risk.’

Leahy must also pay £125 prosecution costs and agreed to pay at a rate of £100 per month.