An Isle of Wight drink driver, who was caught by police driving erratically and taking wrong turns, has been banned from the road for nearly two years.

Liam Harper, of York Road, Ventnor, pleaded guilty to drink driving at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 27.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said police were on patrol on Newport’s Staplers Road during the evening of June 10, 2023, when their attention was drawn to a black Mercedes car being driven erratically, taking wrong right turns.

Ms Miller told the court police stopped the vehicle and found the 24-year-old appearing ‘drowsy and slow’ behind the wheel.

Harper admitted to police he had consumed around five beers, and following a roadside breath test, police found Harper had 87ml of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35.

Amy Hosell, defending, said if her client lost his licence, it would affect him as he is quite engaged in sports.

Ms Hosell explained that Harper does not have any alcohol issues and on the night of the drink-drive incident, he was drinking with a friend on their birthday and did not intend to drive.

Magistrates described the offence as ‘very dangerous’ as he could have changed the lives of pedestrians with his actions.

Harper was disqualified for 22 months and ordered to pay a £323 fine, £85 in costs and a £129 surcharge.