AN Ellesmere Port motorist seen driving at speed through the town by police was nearly twice the drink-drive limit.

Anthony Carl Woodward, 28, of Belgrave Drive, was seen by officers on the evening of October 6 driving in his BMW at speeds of about 60mph in a 30mph zone, Chester Magistrates Court heard on Friday, October 25.

Woodward was handed a three-year driving ban after Rob Youds, prosecuting, told the court the defendant had a previous drug-drive conviction from last year.

Mr Youds said officers saw the BMW travelling at about 60mph so followed it, where it braked before turning in sharply and pulled up 50 yards into Rossfield Road.

Woodward smelt of intoxicants and blew a reading of 64 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.

He had 28 previous convictions and was currently subject to a community order.

District Judge Nicholas Sanders asked Woodward, representing himself, if he had anything to say, to which he replied: "Just sorry, it's stupidity."

Woodward added he was going to find employment difficult without a driving licence, but "it is what it is."

A probation report heard Woodward had completed 26 out of the 80 hours unpaid work requirement, but had unacceptably missed four appointments.

The judge told Woodward: "I'm a bit concerned about the missed appointments on your current order. If you continue to miss appointments, your world will start falling apart."

As well as the three-year driving ban – which would be reduced by a quarter if Woodward completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course – Woodward must pay a £350 fine, plus £85 court costs and a £35 victim surcharge.