A DRINK driver has been banned from the roads.

Daniel Barrett, 37, of Gort Road, East Cowes, admitted the offence as he appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday.

Police stopped his vehicle after watching him drive erratically in Newport, prosecutor, Vivian Ducie, told the court.

On the roadside he blew a reading of 41 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, then later in the police station, that rose to 48.

For Barrett, Barry Arnett told the court that if Barrett had given a reading of 39 on the roadside, he would have been released with a warning, because police do not prosecute unless it is over 40, even though the limit is 35.

Barrett had gone out for his niece's 18th birthday party and thought he was fit to drive, Mr Arnett said.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12 months and fined him £500. Barrett will also have to pay a £50 surcharge and £85 court costs.