A GKN Aerospace apprentice who was spotted by police swerving a Beryl e-scooter on one of the Isle of Wight's busiest roads on Christmas Day, was told his actions were foolish, by a magistrate.

Luke Wright, of Old Road, East Cowes, admitted drink-driving on Fairlee Road, Newport, on December 25.

A police patrol heading towards Newport saw Wright, 19, cross the carriageway in the wrong direction, swerving as he was doing so, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday). 

When stopped, Wright stumbled off the e-scooter, was unsteady on his feet and gave police incorrect details about his age.

Wright, with no previous convictions, failed a roadside breathalyser test and was arrested.

He provided an alcohol breath reading of 78 microgrammes. The drink-drive limit is 35.

"The manner of his driving was unacceptable," Miss Miller told the bench.

For Wright, Jim Osborne said his client had made a stupid mistake and had only passed his driving test last August.

"On that night, with it being Christmas Day, there were no taxis or public transport, so he stupidly decided to get on one of those e-scooters," said Mr Osborne.

"He deeply regrets his behaviour. His insurance will rise significantly as a result. It was an expensive mistake.

Presiding magistrate, Peter Redding, told Wright: "This was a very, very foolish thing to do."

Wright was banned from driving for 20 months and fined £346, with £85 costs and a £138 surcharge.