Drunk man ignored police warning and drove while three times limit

An Isle of Wight man drove away from an Island pub while more than three times the limit, despite being warned not to by police just an hour earlier.

Steven Lawrie, of Slade Road, Ryde, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18.

He admitted driving a Vauxhall Insignia on Brading High Street while under the influence of alcohol.

At 8.30pm on June 2, police were called to reports of a drunk man who was threatening to drive home from the Wheatsheaf Inn pub.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said, officers attended and told him to find another way home.

However, not long later, police received an update that Lawrie, 33, had started the vehicle and was pulling out of the pub car park.

He was pulled over by officers, who detected a strong smell of alcohol, Ms Stone said.

He was asked to do a breath test but told police: "What's the point? I know I'm going to fail."

A breath reading carried out later came back at 112 microgrammes, when the legal limit is 35.

Court heard how Lawrie has previous convictions for excess alcohol and driving while disqualified.

Defending, Michael McGoldrick, said Lawrie came to the Island for a "fresh start".

He said Lawrie has been in contact with Inclusion and is seeking help.

Magistrates adjourned the case to August 2, for a probation report.