An Isle of Wight drink driver who destroyed his vintage Ford in a crash with a BMW which had a baby in the front seat, will ‘likely go to jail’, a court has heard.

Benjamin Green, of Ash Close, Newport, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 9, where the 36-year-old pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said police were called by an off-duty officer at 10pm on June 20 following a two-vehicle crash on Stroud Wood Road in Ryde.

Ms Miller told the court Green crashed his vintage turquoise Ford Fiesta head-on into a red BMW 118i , which had a baby in the front seat.

Green was detained by the off-duty officer until his colleagues arrived to carry out a roadside alcohol test, said Ms Miller.

Following a positive test, showing 117mg in 100ml of breath – more than three times over the limit, Green was arrested.

Ms Miller told magistrates that no injuries were reported by Green or the occupants of the BMW.

Green was subject to a two-year suspended sentence at the time of the crash, handed to him by Lewes Magistrates’ Court last April for a domestic assault.

Nick Muir, defending, said his client is a long-term alcoholic and has been desperate for help, feeling ‘maximum remorse’ for his actions and disgusted with himself.

Green had not consumed alcohol for around six months, until his birthday on June 17, with his drinking spiralling out of control leading to the incident on June 20, Mr Muir told the court.

The defence added that Green has written off the car he loves and admitted that he will ‘likely go to jail’ for this offence.

Magistrates sent the case to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on September 17 and handed Green an interim driving disqualification.

Green was granted unconditional bail.