A mainland salesman, working on the Isle of Wight, was caught drink driving after a tyre on his work van blew out, a court has heard.

Andrew Shrimpton, of The Hillway in Fareham, pleaded guilty to drink driving at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 15.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said police were driving along Main Road, Arreton, at around 10.30pm on February 29 and spotted a Ford Transit van travelling in the same direction with a tyre blown out.

Police pulled over the van, and the driver, Shrimpton, was noted to be slow at responding to questions and slurring his words, said Ms Stone.

The 24-year-old failed a roadside alcohol test, with a reading of 96, when the legal limit is 35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client was on the Island dealing with contracts and sales for his employers and was driving his work van at the time.

Mr Vincent told the court Shrimpton had a meal out and drank alcohol but had no plans to drive home that evening.

The defence said Shrimpton’s plans changed after he witnessed a ‘serious domestic assault’ while returning to where he was staying.

Shrimpton broke up the pair, and the police were called. Shrimpton offered to drive the woman home, but his tyre blew out during the journey.

Mr Vincent said Shrimpton had lost his job following the incident.

Magistrates handed Shrimpton a 12-month community order to include 100 hours unpaid work.

Shrimpton was also given a three-year driving ban and must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 in costs.