A DRINK driver who was more than twice over the legal limit crashed into a fence on his way home from the pub following a funeral, a court heard.

Patrick Mason, 23, of Colwall Green, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

Peter Love, prosecuting, said that the incident happened at Colwall on May 11.

He told magistrates that at 11.15pm a Toyota Yaris was being driven by Mason on Evendine Lane when it collided with a fence and gate post.

"The property's occupant heard a noise and saw lights by his drive," said Mr Love.

"He went out and saw the car reversing back and making a dragging noise before stopping again.

"The witness saw a man with the car and noticed debris in the road including bits of bumper from the Yaris. The witness asked Mason if he was okay? To which he mumbled and slurred a few words before getting back into the car and driving off."

Police officers attended the scene and were given a description of the car and registration plate. They attended Mason's address and noticed that the vehicle parked outside was damaged and matched the description given.

The defendant gave a positive breath sample and was arrested.

Mason gave a test reading of 93 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

When interviewed about the incident Mason told police that he had a hazy memory of reversing out of a hedge but didn't remember specifics.

Emma Prosser, mitigating, said that Mason was completely embarrassed and ashamed by his behaviour.

"He and his family have a zero tolerance approach to drink driving and have been left shell-shocked by the incident," said Mrs Prosser.

"He had attended a funeral of a very good personal and family friend and had driven to the wake but had no intention of driving home. He went on to a different pub and made the appalling decision to drive home.

"The distance he drove from the pub to home was 1.5 miles so he could have easily walked.

"He made an apology to the owner of the damaged fence which was acknowledged."

Mason was disqualified from driving for 24 months, which could be reduced by six months on the completion of a drink driving rehabilitation course.

He was also ordered to pay a £130 fine, £140 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.