THE question of imprisonment for an Isle of Wight man, caught drink-driving a Suzuki Vitara in a busy town centre at lunchtime, rests on a report being prepared for magistrates. 

Kenneth Gilpin, of Little London, Newport, admitted drink-driving in Shanklin High Street on May 19, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Police responded to multiple calls from the public after witnessing the 63-year-old guzzling red wine while at the wheel on Steephill Road in Shanklin, before he drove off and struck a wall, said Liz Miller, prosecuting. 

Police found him a matter of yards away in upper High Street, parked on double yellow lines, outside a restaurant.

When questioned at the scene, Gilpin said he had lost his dog, although it was not made clear whether it was deceased or missing.

Gilpin subsequently failed a roadside breath test and, following his arrest, he provided a breath reading of 121 microgrammes — more than three times the legal limit of 35.

Miss Miller said his drink-driving was aggravated by it happening in the middle of the day when there was traffic and pedestrians about.

For Gilpin, Amy Hosell said: "He was anxious that day. When he got in his car, he tried a few breathing techniques to calm his nerves, but it didn't work and he took a drink."

Miss Hosell then expained her client had suffered 'alcohol problems' and had attempted to go cold turkey, but became very ill afterwards and went through detox and joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). 

"He has been attending AA meetings for support. He is not drinking anymore," Miss Hosell added.

Magistrates ordered a report on Gilpin, warning him all sentencing options would be considered, including imprisonment.

Presiding magistrate, Fay Seabourne, told Gilpin: "It was an extremely high reading that day. You obviously consumed an awful lot of alcohol. We are not ruling out custody."

Gilpin was bailed to reappear for sentencing at the same venue on July 11 — imposing an interim driving ban in the meantime.