A DRINK driver who was more than twice the limit got behind the wheel because he could not afford a taxi.

Luke Jones of Kings Hill, Kempsey, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 19-year-old was breathalysed outside his home in Kempsey on April 20 this year after he was reported to police by members of the public.

The later evidential reading was 78mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35mcg.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said members of the public called the police when they witnessed the defendant 'who appeared to be drunk getting into his car then driving away'.

Officers made their way towards his home and discovered him in a communal car park outside his house. Officers could see him inside his Volkswagen Polo at around 4.20am.

"The interior light was on and officers could clearly see Mr Jones in the driver's seat" said Miss Ritchie.

She added: "He told police he was drinking on that night. He did not have enough money for a taxi and decided to drive home. He stated in interview 'it was stupid of me and I do regret my decision'."

Jones had no previous convictions. Jones, who represented himself at the hearing,

was asked if he wanted to say anything about the offence.

He told magistrates: "Just that I regret what I did and that's it really."

Magistrates gave him credit for his guilty plea at the earliest available opportunity.

They banned him from driving for 18 months.

If he completes a drink drive course (which was offered to him) he will finish the ban on July 14, 2020. If he does not complete the course the ban will end on November 29, 2020.

He was fined £250, ordered him to pay court costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £30.