A 75-YEAR-OLD Chester man has been banned from driving after being found to be over the limit.

Angus Macsween, of Townfield Lane, Mollington, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, March 11 to drink-driving.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said it was at 11.30am on September 22, 2018 when a member of the public saw a Volvo swerving along Overwood Lane.

Police arrived at Macsween's home at 11.50am and found Macsween to be unsteady on his feet.

He was taken to custody where he gave a reading of 172 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, more than twice the legal limit of 80.

While it was said Macsween had had a drink of brandy after driving his car and before police arrived, police obtained expert evidence which meant even taking that into account, Macsween would have given a reading of 130 milligrammes of alcohol.

Macsween had no previous convictions, Mr Currums added.

Defending, James Bagby said Macsween was 75 and had lost his previous good character with this offence, which had happened five months ago and was "hanging over his head" for all that time.

Mr Bagby said the night before, Macsween had consumed alcohol with friends and had to do maintenance work at the local church the following day.

Macsween had co-operated with the police and the loss of his driving licence would have a massive effect on him.

Chair of magistrates Mark Johns said to Macsween: "Driving the car while under the influence of alcohol can and does result in the worst possible circumstances.

"All too often this court has to deal with the consequences."

Macsween was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £600, plus £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was also offered a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, would reduce his ban by 18 weeks.