OAP drink driver spared jail

Peter Fearnhead, an Island resident named in the Panama Papers leak, appeared at Douglas Courthouse earlier this week.

 

The 76-year-old had previously admitted being over the limit when he was stopped by police on September 2nd.

 

The court heard he gave a breath test reading of 61 micrograms per 100 millilitres - the legal limit is 35.

 

Fearnhead's advocate told the court he'd had wine during business meetings that lunchtime and evening and was surprised and ashamed to be over the limit.

 

She said he was mortified and remorseful after his arrest which came a year after a previous ban for drink driving ran out.

 

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said given his age it was possible he'd never drive again - and a prison term was an appropriate punishment.

 

She sentenced him to eight weeks in prison suspended for two years, fined him £1,000, ordered him to pay £125 costs and banned him from driving for five years.

 

He was also ordered to retake an extended driving test after the ban and undergo a drink-drive rehabilitation course.