An Isle of Wight drink driver, who fell off his daughter’s e-scooter after weaving in and out of traffic while travelling the wrong way up Newport High Street, has been disqualified. 

Liam Saltzer, of no fixed abode, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 23, and pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 37-year-old was seen travelling on an e-scooter the wrong way up Newport High Street just before 2pm on June 14.

Ms Stone told the court Saltzer was on the pavement and in the road, weaving in and out of traffic, before falling off the scooter outside The Castle Inn pub.

A police officer, who happened to be in the area at the time, rushed to help Saltzer, recognised him, and breathalysed him, the court heard.

Saltzer gave a positive alcohol reading, both at the roadside and at Newport Police Station, and had no insurance or licence.

Ms Stone said Saltzer, who has 15 previous convictions for 19 offences, was subject to two different community orders and has since been handed a crown court suspended sentence.

Jim Osborne, defending, said his client was riding his daughter’s e-scooter back home after having one pint.

The e-scooter has since been crushed by police, the court heard.

Saltzer’s licence has been taken off him due to epilepsy, and he does not intend to drive again, Mr Osborne told magistrates. 

Magistrates handed Saltzer a £120 fine and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £48 surcharge.

Saltzer was also handed a 12-month driving disqualification, and his licence was endorsed.