A diabetic Isle of Wight drink-driver who ‘blacked out’ at the wheel and crashed his car had no recollection of the accident.

Melvin Belcher, of Cockleton Lane, Gurnard, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, April 26.

The 69-year-old admitted drink driving in Cowes, on February 24.

Prosecutor, Lauren Stone, said a road traffic collision was witnessed at around 7.20pm.

She said Belcher’s vehicle was seen driving towards Aldi, turned on to Three Gates Road, and crashed.

The court heard his car mounted the pavement and a witness helped him out of the vehicle.

He was described as very unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred, and he made a comment about how he must have been going a bit too fast around the corner.

Ms Stone said police were called, and when they arrived, they found Belcher’s car – a Peugeot – balanced on a metal barrier.

Belcher registered a breath-alcohol reading of 81 when the legal limit is 35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Belcher had not been before the courts for the best part of 20 years and lived a relatively uncomplicated life.

He said he had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and on the day of the offence, he had been out at the Kingston Arms pub.

Mr Vincent told the bench Belcher blacked out while driving home and had no recollection of the accident.

He said he was taken to hospital and staff told him his blood sugar levels were raised.

The court heard Belcher was fully co-operative with police, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and his last drink driving conviction was 25 years ago.

Belcher was fined £172 and disqualified from driving for 22 months.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £69 surcharge.