A former Isle of Wight councillor, who resigned early last month, has avoided an immediate prison sentence after crashing into cars while four times over the drink-drive limit.

Thomas Hanley, of West Hill Road, Ryde, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 1, after previously pleading guilty to drink driving.

Munayah Hassan, prosecuting, said police were alerted to several vehicles being crashed into in the Co-op car park on Anglesea Street in Ryde on the evening of December 30, 2023.

Ms Hassan told the court officers received reports that the vehicle involved, a grey Volkswagen, being driven by the 62-year-old, had a can of open beer in the front.

Officers attended the scene, and it was “clear to police he was under the influence,” said Ms Hassan, before Hanley undertook a roadside alcohol test, which came back positive.

Hanley was found to be over four times over the drink-drive limit, with 141mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Read more: By-election in Ryde after disgraced councillor's resignation

Ms Hassan told the court Hanley was compliant with police but told officers “he would make their jobs very difficult” because he was a local councillor.

Hanley was the newest member to join Ryde Town Council and the Our Ryde group in November 2022, and his resignation was confirmed on Monday, February 5.

Barry Arnett, defending, admitted his client’s alcohol reading was ‘extremely high’ but stated Hanley did not crash his vehicle on the way to the Co-op, but did collide with vehicles after returning to the car park, during manoeuvres.

Mr Arnett admitted to the court that, in Hanley’s pre-sentence report, he appeared to minimalise the extent of his criminality, but said: “Is he genuinely remorseful? I believe he is.”

Hanley resigned as a councillor “off his own back,” and has lost his reputation as a result of the incident, said Mr Arnett.

The defence said Hanley had put plans into action to address his alcohol problems, including seeing a therapist, and has “dramatically reduced” his consumption.

Magistrates told Hanley they were “appalled” and stated they “rarely see alcohol levels that high.”

“You were extremely lucky that you didn’t hurt yourself or someone else,” magistrates said.

Hanley was handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, to include 120 hours unpaid work and a 34-month driving disqualification.

He must also pay a £154 surcharge and £85 in costs.

A by-election has been called for Ryde Town Council and will take place on March 21.