AN ISLE of Wight man convicted of a third drink-drive offence within the past seven years, was told by a magistrate he should be ashamed of himself.

James Johnson, of Landscape Lane, Newport, admitted driving a red Kia while over the alcohol limit on October 21, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Police spotted the 35-year-old driving erratically on Regent Street in Shanklin and stopped him, said Liz Miller, prosecuting.

Johnson had a passenger in his car and provided an alcohol breath reading of 61 microgammes when the legal limit is 35.

Johnson has previous drink-drive convictions from 2015 and 2018, an aggravating feature in his case, the bench was told.

Through Dawn Young, of the Probation Service, Johnson said he drank wine and beer, but also had a meal and felt fine to drive.

"Consequently, he made the poor choice of moving his vehicle to avoid receiving a parking ticket," said Mrs Young.

"He didn't seek to minimise the seriousness of the matter and the capacity to cause harm to other road users and pedestrians." 

Unrepresented in court, Johnson said he regretted what he did.

He was banned from driving for three years and made subject to a 12-month probation order, to include 20 rehabilitation sessions.

He was fined £110, with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Presiding magistrate Fay Seabourne told him: "Quite frankly, you should be ashamed of yourself. You clearly haven't learned your lesson."