A DRINK driver who was arrested after speeding past a police car has been banned from the roads.

William Harris, 19, of St Thomas' Street, Ryde, admitted drink driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court last Tuesday.

The court heard he was arrested at around 3am on October 27, after overtaking a police car at Quarr Hill, Binstead.

Prosecutor Ann Smout said: "Officer Lacey was on duty when a car overtook her, exceeding the 40mph speed limit.

"When she spoke to the driver, she noticed that he had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.

"Mr Harris eventually admitted he had drunk four pints before getting in his car."

The court heard Harris had a breath alcohol reading of 57. The legal limit is 35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said: "This is a very sad case. He is a man of previous good character who had, prior to this, taken reasonable steps to use public transport on his night out.

"He had been out at Fever nightclub in Newport and had caught the bus there and back. But once he had arrived home, his girlfriend called and asked him to come back to Newport and pick her up." Magistrates disqualified Harris from driving for 16 months.

He was fined £160 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £32 surcharge.