A DRINK-driver almost crashed into a police car while more than three times the limit — his third such offence — an Isle of Wight court was told.

Richard James Alexander, of Shide Path, Newport, admitted drink-driving in Ryde, on May 20.

Alexander almost collided with police patrolling on St Thomas's Street, said Anisa Alrubaie, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

When they went to question Alexander, officers noticed the rear bumper to his Mercedes was "hanging off" the back end, with scratches to it, as if the vehicle had been in an accident.

The officers then found Alexander "drunkenly slumped" on the ground and that he was unable to stand up.

Alexander, 53, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. Police found an empty lager bottle in his car.

At Newport Police Station, Alexander provided a breath-alcohol reading of 111 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35. 

Alexander was convicted of drink-driving in 2009 and 2016.

At a previous hearing, magistrates were told Alexander drank at a wedding reception then drove. 

Alexander, unrepresented, said: "I regret what happened. I'm ashamed. I obviously made a bad decision, for which I'm truly sorry."

After considering a report, magistrates banned Alexander from driving for four years, with £85 costs a £114 surcharge and a year's probation, to include 100 hours' unpaid work.