A MAN struggling with debt has admitted getting behind the wheel while over the drink-drive limit.

Scott Gaffney, of Caister Avenue, Warndon, Worcester, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday, where he admitted getting behind the wheel on Sunday, May 31, with 62 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath – the legal limit being 35 mcg.

The court was told the 33-year-old father-of-two had been struggling with significant debts, which he had kept secret from his family, and on the evening of May 31 had driven to a nearby motorway bridge where he had considered killing himself.

But after deciding against it he drove back home, and it was then he was spotted by the police.

David Ollivere, mitigating, said Gaffney told police he had drunk three cans of beer and had not eaten.

He added he was also getting help with his financial and psychological problems.

The court banned him from driving for 17 months and ordered him to pay a £400 fine, a £150 court charge, £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.