ACTING on information passed to them, police caught a scaffolder from the Isle of Wight drink-driving an Audi A3, straight after he attended a colleague's leaving party.

Leigh Michael Canning, of St Michaels Avenue, Ryde, admitted drink driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Canning was driving on Bennett Street, Ryde, on November 1, when police pulled him over, at around 7pm.

The 39-year-old, who had a passenger, smelt strongly of alcohol and had slurred speech when he spoke to officers, said Lauren Stone, prosecuting.

He told police he had had a few drinks and cannabis and, although he was under the drug-drive limit for the class B substance, he failed a roadside breath test.

Following his arrest, Canning provided a reading of 47 microgrammes. The legal drink-drive limit is 35.

For Canning, Oscar Vincent said his client had kept out of trouble for 11 years and had transformed his life during that time.

"He had two drinks and felt OK to drive after attending a work colleague's leaving do," Mr Vincent said.

"When stopped, there was no suggestion or evidence of bad driving on his part."

Magistrates banned Canning from driving for 12 months, with a £300 fine, £85 costs and a £120 surcharge.