A 59-year-old drink-driver has been banned for a year and fined £1,000.

Robert Woodward, from Kirk Michael, failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 44, after police stopped him in Peel.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood also ordered him to pay £125 prosecution costs and to take an extended driving test after his ban ends.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis told the court that police were on patrol at Atholl Street in Peel on September 19, at 7.50pm.

They saw Woodward driving a Honda Jazz, approaching the junction.

He failed to stop at the junction, so officers followed, and pulled him over on Shore Road.

He failed a roadside breathalyser test and was subsequently arrested.

At police headquarters, a further breathalyser test produced the reading of 44, above the legal limit of 35.

In court, Woodward, of Stockfield Road, pleaded guilty to the offence and was represented by duty advocate Winston Taylor.

Mr Taylor said that Woodward did not usually go out, and had consumed a couple of cans of cider at home at around 4pm, with no intention of going out.

However, he said that his brother had then invited him to go for a curry, and he had not felt intoxicated, so he had driven.

The advocate said that Woodward lived in a quite remote location, so the driving ban would impact him significantly.

Mr Taylor said that his client was on a widower’s pension, but did some gardening.

Deputy High Bailiff Ms Braidwood told the defendant: ‘Clearly it was a somewhat foolish decision of you to drive after having two cans of cider, and I note you came to the police’s attention due to a manoeuvre.’

Woodward will pay at a rate of £10 per week.