AN ISLE of Wight drink driver caught after police were called following an argument with his girlfriend has been banned from the road.

Elvis Jele, of Leighwood Close, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, October 8.

The 32-year-old admitted drink driving in East Cowes, on January 21.

Prosecutor, Lauren McConnell, said police were called after receiving a report of a suspicious incident and followed a vehicle.

The driver, Jele, registered a breath-alcohol reading of 52 when the legal limit is 35.

The court heard he had a passenger in the vehicle.

Barry Keel, defending, said police were called following an argument between Jele and his girlfriend, and there had been no suggestion of any poor driving.

He said the healthcare professional was fully co-operative with police at the scene, and following the incident, he went to Zimbabwe, where he was robbed, delaying his return to the UK.

Mr Keel said he handed himself in straight away when returned to the country and was taken into custody.

Jele was fined £346 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £138 surcharge.