Russel Whitley, 30, of Chesterton Court, Chester drove a Mitsubishi Warrior vehicle on Brook Lane, Newton, with excess alcohol on July 27.

Catherine Whincup, prosecuting at Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston Magistrates Court, said: "It was about 1.30am when officers on Blacon Avenue noticed the speed of the vehicle.

"It stopped and officers approached and did a roadside breath test."
The reading on the test was 87mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mg.

The court heard the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) had Whitley's driving licence because points were being added to it for speeding.

Richard Simm, defending, said: "He's a young man who has had family difficulties to cope with recently which no doubt had an impact on him driving that evening.

"His mother has been very ill recently.

"He had been at his father's and had a few cans of lager to drink.

"He took a foolish decision to drive a couple of miles home."

Mr Simm added: "He's ashamed he's appeared in court and has brought some disgrace on the family."

He said the company Whitley worked for required him to drive around the country. "Whether he can keep the job or not will very much upon the length of the disqualification imposed."

Magistrates chairman Hugh Jones fined Whitley £300 and banned him from driving for 16 months.

Whitley was offered a chance to take part in a drink driver course which, if completed successfully, would reduce the ban by four months.

He was also issued with a victim's surcharge of £15 and costs of £43.

Mr Jones said: "It's a high reading and there was apparent speeding.

"There was also a potential risk to other road users."