An Isle of Wight driver has been banned from the roads after crashing into and destroying a pillar outside a Victorian terrace while under the influence of alcohol.

Ben Atkins, of Bath Road, Ventnor, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court earlier this month and pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said police were called to reports of a collision involving a Citroen Berlingo on Dudley Road in Ventnor on March 25, which saw the entrance pillar of Alexandra Court destroyed.

Ms Miller told the court a crash detection alert, sent automatically from Atkins’ iPhone, requested emergency teams to attend the scene.

The court heard that Atkins fled the scene on to Pier Street after the crash but was returned to Dudley Road – where police had arrived – by his father.

Atkins undertook a roadside breath test, which showed he was more than twice over the alcohol limit, and he was taken to hospital.

Lucy Linington, defending, said her client, who suffers from mental health issues, had only driven the car a total of 300 yards before he collided with the pillar.

Ms Linington told magistrates she does not believe they will see Atkins in court again.

Magistrates handed Atkins a 20-month driving disqualification and ordered him to pay a £537 fine, a £214 surcharge and £85 in costs.