AN EXPECTANT father has been banned from driving for nearly two years after he was found to be driving at more than double the legal drink drive limit.

George Morris was described by the arresting police officer as “swerving towards the verge” when he was pulled over in Forden in the early hours of April 30 this year. A breath test proved positive and, after being arrested, the 26-year-old provided a reading of 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal drink drive limit is 35 micrograms.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the incident happened at around 1am on the A490 at Forden, with police noticing a VW Golf that was being driven by the defendant.

“PC Jones saw the vehicle being driven by the defendant and followed it,” she said, “It was travelling at less than 40mph and was swerving towards the verge. He signalled for the driver to stop, but he carried on through the village before coming to a stop in a layby.

“The officer tapped on the window but the defendant didn’t open his window. The officer opened the door and smelt alcohol. The defendant was exhibiting nervous behaviour.

“A breath test was positive. There was also a cocaine reading but it was not pursued as he blew over in breath.”

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Owain Jones, representing Morris, said: “He is extremely sorry. He has mentioned struggles with his mental health and he is awaiting an assessment.

“He accepts he was driving slow, but he doesn’t accept swerving. He has never been in trouble before.”

Probation officer Julian Davies told the court: “He went to his local pub after work, where he consumed pints of lager and a few shots.

“It was not his intention to drive home, he would normally phone his parents. He misjudged the time and it was too late to phone, so he took a chance. It was a stupid thing, even though he felt fine to drive. He clearly wasn’t.

“He regrets the incident. He lives with his parents, he and his partner are expecting their first child in November. He was previously a groundsworker but he left that employment two weeks ago due to an argument with management, so he is looking for a new job."

Magistrates banned Morris from driving for 23 months; he can reduce this by a quarter if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.

In addition he must comply with a 12-month community order, which will include 55 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.