DRINK drivers have appeared before city magistrates.

Among the cases heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday was the case of Stephen Hayes.

Magistrates heard the 44-year-old was spotted and stopped by police on Martley Road at 12.30am on September 26.

Emily Clewer prosecuting said he failed a roadside breathalyser test and at the police station gave a reading of 98 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35.

Nick Roberts, defending, said the father-off-two had been drinking but after failing to get a taxi he thought he would be fine to drive the short distance home.

Magistrates, giving him credit for an early guilty plea, fined Hayes £161, a victim surcharge of £34, and costs of £135 - a total of £330 that will be paid at a rate of £100 a month.

Hayes, of Jacomb Drive, Lower Broadheath, was disqualified from driving for 25 months, which will be reduced if he successfully completes a drink drive awarenesses course.

Alexandru Crusoveanu, of Avon Road, Worcester, also pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Miss Clewer told magistrates he was found in a bus lane at 11pm in Lowesmoor on October 8, and failed a roadside test

She said at the station his lowest reading was 85mcg at the police station.

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Mr Roberts, defending the 34-year-old, said Crusoveanu had thought he was OK to go to Lidl that night.

Mr Roberts said his client was "truly sorry" and pointed out there had been no aggravating features, other than his Renault had been in the bus lane when arrested.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 20 months, but was offered the course that will reduce the period if successfully completed.

They fined him £161, and he was told to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £34.