A BMW driving university student was caught swerving along the road and mounting the pavement after an early morning trip to McDonald's.
Benjamin Wheeler, of High Park Road, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday.
The 19-year-old admitted drink driving in Ryde, on August 22.
Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police had been travelling along Brading Road at around 4am when a BMW was spotted pulling out of McDonald's car park.
She said the officer was situated behind the vehicle and watched it swerve across the white lines, steer into the kerb and mount the pavement.
Ms Miller said the car was stopped soon after, on Great Preston Road, and the driver, Wheeler, told the officer he'd consumed alcohol a while ago but felt OK.
While waiting for transport to arrive, he was described as struggling to keep his head still and periodically falling asleep.
Mrs Miller said Wheeler could not stand unaided for long, his speech appeared slurred and his eyes were rolling on occasion.
He provided an alcohol breath reading of 94. The legal limit is 35.
Barry Arnett, defending, said Wheeler was a university student in the second year of a business management course.
He said Wheeler made an error of judgement and had been out with friends in Newport earlier in the day. He decided to drive to McDonald's to get something to eat after a night out, and did not live far away.
Mr Arnett said Wheeler was extremely sorry and remorseful, and was confident the court would not be seeing him again.
Wheeler was given a 12-month community order, to include 120 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for 24 months.
He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Last Updated:
Report this comment Cancel