An Isle of Wight man has been banned from driving for four years after telling Wightlink passengers he had been ‘out on the razz all night’ before being caught drink driving after leaving the ferry.

Douglas Williams, of Lane End Road, Bembridge, pleaded guilty to drink driving at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 25.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said police were alerted at 5.53am on July 13 to concerns that a man was under the influence onboard the Fishbourne ferry after witnesses saw him drive onto the Wightlink vessel.

Ms Stone said passengers onboard the ferry noted hearing the Williams telling people he had been “out on the razz all night”.

The 51-year-old was stopped by police shortly after disembarking the ferry in his silver Mercedes SLK and provided a positive breath test.

Williams was found to be nearly four times over the drink-drive limit, with 135 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

Simon Collingham, defending, said his client is “utterly ashamed with his disgusting behaviour.”

Mr Collingham told the court Williams had been in Kent staying with his girlfriend, but, following a ‘bust up’, he left before missing the ferry and drinking heavily in a hotel in Portsmouth.

Williams broke down in court and said: “This has devastated me, and I’m very sorry. My moment of madness has passed, and I will not do it again. I wish I could go back in time and stay at the hotel for a couple extra hours.”

Magistrates handed Williams a four-year disqualification and a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, to include 150 hours unpaid work.

He must also pay a £154 surcharge and £85 in costs.