AN AIRMAN has been banned from the road after driving his girlfriend's car in Worcester when he was twice the drink drive limit.

Benjamin Stearman admitted drink driving and driving without insurance when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Colette Orton prosecuting said Stearman came to the attention of officers when the black Polo he was driving was spotted with no lights on during the evening of March 18.

Stearman was pulled over in Albert Road and failed a roadside breath test, so was taken to Worcester Police Station where a test showed he had 77 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

In a police interview, Stearman, of Emes Close, Pershore, told officers he had been in a disagreement with his girlfriend, got into the car and drove it.

Mrs Orton added he was cautioned for taking a vehicle without consent.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Stearman had been out with his girlfriend and had no intention of driving, but drove into Worcester after the argument, describing it as a "stupid incident". Mr Sheward said when he was stopped by police he complied with everything he was asked to do.

Mr Steward said the 21-year-old was serving in the RAF, based at Brize Norton, and was supported at the April 5 hearing by a Flight Lieutenant.

Mr Steward told magistrates: "The young man who sits before you, serves his country. There was every chance he was going to be promoted this year. That won't happen now. Those are the ramifications, he understands that."

For drink driving Stearman was fined £310 and disqualified from driving for 18 months, but was offered the chance to complete a drink drive awareness course, which if he successfully completes will reduce the ban by 18 weeks. Stearman was also fined £310 for driving uninsured, ordered to pay costs £135 and a victim surcharge of £31 - a total of £786.