A MAN who was sobering up at his work after an argument with his partner has admitted to drink-driving.

Mark Bevan was found by police drunk near his car when he told them he had driven it on January 17.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said when the 37-year-old was breathalysed after spending time at his Clows Top workplace to remove himself from the domestic argument, he blew a reading of 85mcg of alcohol in 10 ml of breath - two-and-a-half times over the legal limit of 35mcg.

"He [Bevan] and his partner had had an argument and he had left his car at work. In the morning police officers checked his place of work in Clows Top. He was standing by a portable cabin and had his keys in his pocket with his car parked near."

Although police had no evidence that Bevan had been driving, he made a full admission to officers and was arrested.

In mitigation, David Ollivere said the argument started when the defendant's partner confronted him about his drinking and he had not gone out to commit the offence.

He said: "He's had his first brush with the justice system and he's been completely co-operative. WIthout his full co-operation and admissions the driving charge would not have come to light as police were lacking evidence that he had been driving, but he was honest about that saying he had driven."

Bevan, of Wyre Hill, in Bewdley, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, February 19.

Chairman of the magistrates Roger Green disqualified Bevan from driving for 18 months and fined him £200.

He was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.