Law firm director fined for being drunk in charge of children

Police found 50-year-old unable to stand unassisted

A Manx advocate, and director of a law firm, has been fined £500 after pleading guilty to being drunk in charge of children.

Neil Scott Leonard-Morgan, of Brunswick Road in Douglas, appeared at Douglas Courthouse today where he admitted two offences. (19 October).

Police were called to assist the 50-year-old, at 11.20am on 1 October, after he was seen lying on the pavement outside The Woodbourne pub.

He was described as being ‘very intoxicated’ and was unable to stand unassisted; an ambulance was called after he complained of losing consciousness but he was deemed medically fit and arrested.

At Police Headquarters he told officers he’d consumed wine the previous evening before getting up at 3am to do some work.

He then had a vodka and soda at 7am due to him considering it ‘lunchtime’.

Leonard-Morgan told police he’d also fallen earlier that morning, and banged his head, but was adamant he was not intoxicated despite not being able to explain why he smelt so strongly of alcohol.

The court was told he also maintained that he was ‘concussed’ and had sustained a ‘serious head injury’ despite having no marks, cuts or visible injuries and having been assessed by paramedics.   

During the hearing Leonard-Morgan’s advocate attempted to prevent the media from reporting his client’s identity.

His application was refused by magistrates after challenge from a member of the press.

“This incident is totally out of character,” the advocate told the court.

“He’s embarrassed. He’s ashamed to be in court. He’s taken this matter very much to heart.”

Fining Leonard-Morgan, and ordering him to pay prosecution costs of £125, Magistrates told him: “We do view this seriously.”