A man who operated a van while impaired by alcohol has been ordered to participate in a drink-drivers’ court treatment programme.

Mohamed Shabdeen, 54, admitted having care and control of the vehicle while impaired and refusing to take a breath test when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The court heard that police saw Shabdeen, from Sandys, sitting in a van in Southampton on April 24.

When questioning Shabdeen, officers smelt alcohol on his breath, noticed that the vehicle was running with keys in the ignition and took him to the Hamilton Police Station.

Senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson ordered that reports be written for Shabdeen and that he observe DUI Court starting on August 11.

Ms Anderson released Shabdeen on $1,500 bail until that time and disqualified him from driving all vehicles for 18 months, but said he would get his licence back sooner if he successfully completes DUI Court.

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