A DRINK driver who drove through Pershore at more than twice the legal limit has been banned from getting behind the wheel for almost two years.
Mark Pitter pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court last Friday (December 12) after he blew 85 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.
The court heard how on November 25 about 5.15pm the 46-year-old was travelling on Long Lane in his Nissan Navara when he pulled out in front of another driver, narrowly avoiding a collision.
The driver of the other vehicle stopped and watched as Pitter attempted a u-turn in the road before he collided with a fence, the court was also told.
Police were called to the incident and breathalysed the defendant both at the road side and back at the station after he was arrested.
Defending solicitor Brian O’Connell said: “He has been driving for about 30 years now without any prior incident.
“He has had alcohol problems in the past and as a result of this incident he has sought help, he says he doesn’t want to drink and has been to Pathways to try and help this.
“He told his employers straight away and fortunately they value him and have said his job is secure.”
Pitter was handed a 20 month driving disqualification and fined £600 for the offence.
District Judge Nigel Cadbury added: “You were more than twice over the legal limit and probably a little higher than that when the incident actually occurred.
“I accept you have a drink problem but it is good to see you doing something about it.”
Pitter was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.
