Douglas drink-driver banned from driving for five years

Man drank entire bottle of wine before driving home

A Douglas man who drove after drinking an entire bottle of wine has been banned from driving for five years.

Dominic Gribben of Hilltop Rise had initially entered a not guilty plea, but has now admitted driving with excess alcohol in his system on 16 July.

He was seen entering the Spar shop on Alder Road in Pulrose at 12.50pm, where he purchased a bottle of wine.

Witnesses observed him getting into a blue Ford Focus and drinking the entire bottle of wine before driving off.

Officers searched the area before finding the car parked on his driveway.

After failing a roadside breath test, the 46-year-old was arrested and taken to Police Headquarters, where he provided a breath sample with a reading of 102 - the legal limit is 35.

His advocate confirmed Gribben is now engaged with Motiv8, describing the incident as "something of a cry for help".

Sentencing Gribben, High Bailiff James Brooks said it was "an extremely strange decision", adding "what you did was extraordinarily foolish".

Mr Brooks banned Gribben from driving for five years and ordered him to take an extended driving test and drink drive rehabilitation course before he can regain his licence.

He was also handed a £2,500 fine and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,225.