A 56-YEAR-old man has been given a lengthy ban for drink driving.
Carl Hackney, of Harbinger Avenue, Malvern, drove a Toyota Yaris in Hornyold Road, Malvern, when his alcohol level was above the limit, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.
Hackney admitted the offence when he appeared at the court on Thursday, (January 19).
Fatima Yasmin, prosecuting, said police's attention was drawn to the vehicle so they followed it at 12.14pm on Wednesday, December 21.
The limit was 30mph but Hackney was seen reaching speeds of 50mph before police stopped the vehicle.
The prosecutor said Hackney's speech was slurred and he smelt of intoxicants so he was asked to take the roadside breathalyser test, which he failed.
After being arrested he was taken to the police station where the evidential sample recorded was 91mcg in 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg.
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Mr Yasmin said Hackney had two previous drink drive convictions - although the last conviction dated back to 2008.
"An aggravating factor was the unacceptable standard of driving," the prosecutor added.
Hackney, who represented himself, was asked by the court clerk if there was anything he wanted to say.
"It is my fault I got caught," Hackney replied.
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Hackney told magistrates he currently wasn't working as he has a heart condition.
Ian Latimer, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Hackney he was getting a 25-month driving ban.
The chairman asked Hackney if he was interested in taking a drink-drive awareness court which could reduce the ban length.
"I'd rather not," the defendant replied.
The chairman warned Hackney if he drove at any time during the ban period he could expect to receive a custodial sentence.
Hackney was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £48.
Hackney initially offered to pay the total, £303, at a rate of £20 per month.
The chairman said, due to the exceptional circumstances of Hackney's offence, that offer was being rejected.
Mr Latimer said magistrates were instead ordering he pay at a rate of £30 per month.
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