Drink-driver was 2.5 times over limit with child in car

Three-year ban and probation order for Port Erin man

A Port Erin man who was found to be more than two and a half times over the drink-drive limit with a child in the car has been banned from driving for three years.

Brian John Jago-Smith of Ballamaddrell was witnessed weaving and mounting the kerb on Shore Road in Port St Mary at around 10am on Saturday 18 March.

Police were called after passers-by were concerned by Jago-Smith's driving, and found he had his seven-year-old child in the vehicle and smelt of intoxicants.

After failing a roadside breath test, he was taken to Police Headquarters were a breath sample showed a reading of 94 - the legal limit is 35.

The court heard the 42-year-old had been drinking the night before, and was surprised to learn how far he was over the limit.

His advocate highlighted the impact a driving ban would have on Jago-Smith, who works as a delivery driver.

Since being charged, he's found alternative work and moved house in order to be closer to his child's school in anticipation of a driving ban.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks said Jago-Smith must have drunk an 'awful amount' to be so far over the limit the morning after consuming alcohol.

He handed Jago-Smith a three-year driving ban, after which an extended driving test must be taken.

Jago-Smith will also have to attend probation for a year, and pay costs of £125.