A drink-driver who was more than four times the legal limit has been banned from driving for seven years and fined £2,000.

Martin McDonald, aged 35, of Bemahague Avenue, Onchan, was also given a suspended prison sentence by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.

We previously reported how police were called to Douglas promenade on September 21 at 6pm after a report of a Mercedes Vito colliding with a number of objects as it was driven on Central Promenade.

When police arrived they witnessed McDonald crash into a road sign on Queen’s Promenade.

He was said to be smelling of alcohol and appeared incoherent when he got out of the car.

After being arrested and taken to police headquarters he failed the breathalyser test with the reading of 148.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood handed in a letter from McDonald to the court as well as letters of reference.

Mr Wood said his client appreciated he was on a ’knife edge’ with such a high reading and the prospect of custody.

’Thankfully no-one was hurt,’ said the advocate. ’Damage has been caused as a result of my client’s extreme intoxication in what I would say was a moment of madness.’

The advocate went on to say McDonald had been experiencing mounting pressure and something of a mental health crisis at the time of the offence.

He continued: ’It seems in a moment of crisis he decided to drink a bottle of vodka and drive the vehicle. It is evident from the references this behaviour represents a complete departure from the norm for this man. He is clearly well thought of among his colleagues and friends. This offending is out of all character. It underscores the difficulties he was experiencing at that time.’

Mr Wood said some good had come of the incident as McDonald had started receiving help and there had been a ’catalogue of interventions’ to address his difficulties.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes asked if McDonald was still in work and Mr Wood replied that he had initially been dismissed but industrial relations had since become involved.

Mrs Hughes sentenced McDonald to 12 weeks’ custody but suspended the sentence for two years, saying she had considered the fact that he had sought help voluntarily, had no relevant previous convictions, his guilty plea, his remorse, and that he had spent a night in the cells after his arrest.

He was also ordered to retake his test at the end of the seven year ban and attend a drink driving rehabilitation course. He must also pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the £2,000 fine, by December 18.

The High Bailiff told McDonald: ’A great many people bury their heads in the sand when suffering stress. The consequences can be shocking so don’t make the same mistake again.’