A Douglas man who was caught drink-driving while banned has been given a six-month jail term, suspended for two years.

Stephen Dockerell admitted the offences when he appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Alastair Montgomerie.

The 44-year-old was arrested in Union Mills shortly before 7pm on February 12, after police were told of a van being driven erratically.

Officers discovered the defendant had a blood-alcohol level of 232, well over the legal limit of 80.

The court heard Dockerell had been disqualified from driving for three years in February 2001, but had never retaken his test and only had a provisional licence.

His advocate said he accepted he had a poor record, but he urged Mr Montgomerie to give him a final chance, saying his client now had a job and was attending counselling for his problems.

Mr Montgomerie imposed a ?1,250 fine and a two-year supervision order.

He also banned Dockerell from driving for five years.