A DRINK driver was battling the breakdown of his marriage when he was caught driving at almost twice the drink drive limit.

Erik Kelo, aged 31, of Harvey Road, Evesham, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court was told how Kelo was stopped driving a Mercedes estate car in Pershore Road, Evesham, at 4.45am on Monday, November 30.

A breath test revealed 67mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, nearly twice the limit of 35mcg.

Peter Love, prosecuting, said: “The reason for the stop check was the Mercedes was being driven erratically. It was being driven slowly. It stopped at traffic lights and then the driver pulled off and wheelspun the vehicle.”

Chris Hilton, defending, said: “”He’s actually one of the most pleasant individuals I have come across. He’s extremely regretful for having committed this offence. It has a significant effect on his immediate future.”

Mr Hilton said Kelo’s work as a self-employed electrical engineer across Birmingham and the West Midlands would be greatly affected by the mandatory ban.

He said that his client’s marriage had broken down as a result of the long hours he had put into setting up the business.

He had been at a friend’s house, had not eaten, and then drank some beer. He was fined £250, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £25.

He was banned from driving for 17 months which will be reduced by 17 weeks if he completes a course by November 7 next year.