A Ryde town councillor who crashed into multiple parked cars while more than four times over the drink-drive limit will learn his fate later this year.

Thomas Hanley, of West Hill Road, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, January 16.

The 62-year-old councillor for Appley and Elmfield joined Ryde Town Council in November 2022, and also runs a project safety management company. 

He admitted drink driving in Ryde, on December 30 of last year.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police attended the Co-Operative car park off Anglesea Street in Ryde at around 3pm.

She said multiple parked cars had been crashed into, including a Mercedez-Benz, and a witness told officers they saw the driver of a Volkswagen ID.3 – Hanley – had an open can of beer in his car.

Ms Miller said it was clear Hanley had been driving while under the influence of alcohol, and in police interview, he admitted consuming four cans of beer earlier in the day.

Hanley was described as compliant, but passive-aggressive toward officers during his arrest.

He registered a breath-alcohol reading of 141 in custody, when the legal limit is 35.

A member of the public told officers they saw Hanley crash into parked cars and narrowly miss pedestrians.

In the wake of the incident, five cars were left with significant damage.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Hanley had never been in trouble before and was bitterly ashamed and apologetic for what happened.

He said the incident took place over a very short period of time and Hanley’s recollection of events was not great.

Mr Arnett said Hanley was alcohol dependant and had already taken steps to address his issues with the substance.

Hanley saw his case adjourned to March 1 so a pre-sentence report could be drawn up.

He was granted unconditional bail until that date and handed an interim driving ban.